The health outlay will be raised to 2.5 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) at the end of 12th Five-Year Plan (2017). This was decided in a meeting called by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

At present, allocation for health is around 1.4 per cent.

According to a statement issued by the PMO, now the Planning Commission will be requested to allocate adequate resources to achieve the target. This meeting was called on the direction of the Prime Minister.

It was also stated that as health is primarily a State subject, so the States' outlay for health would be critical in achieving this target. The Planning Commission may motivate and incentivise the States to allocate more funds for the health sector.

For this purpose the Planning Commission in consultation with the Health Ministry will also work out an appropriate mechanism or scheme for this purpose.

The Prime Minister has already stated the need for increased outlay on health sector during 12th Plan. He has also said that though funds for the health sector will not be a constraint, there is a need to create adequate capacity at the Centre and the States to meaningfully absorb the increased outlay.

The Health Ministry is working towards the goal of Universal Health Care for all.

In the meeting it was decided that the Ministry may set up a Central Procurement Agency early for bulk procurement of drugs. This has already been approved by the Cabinet. It is also required to prepare the Standard Treatment Protocols.

The Health Ministry has also been asked to strengthen facilities at the Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals to provide a minimum package of care to all citizens through provision of cashless, hassle-free outpatient, inpatient and diagnostic care and supply of essential medicines.

>Shishir.s@thehindu.co.in

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