The government has proposed to work in a mission mode to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047, announced Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2023-24 in the Parliament today.

“A mission will be launched to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047. The mission will entail awareness creation, universal screening of seven crore people in the 0-40 years age group in affected tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments,” she said.

The government also announced to establish 157 new nursing colleges will be in co-location with the existing 157 medical colleges established since 2014.

To bbost research and develipment, she said that facilities of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) laboratories will be made available for research by public and private medical college faculty and private sector R&D teams for encouraging collaborative research and innovation.
A new programme to promote research and innovation in pharmaceuticals will also be taken up through centers of excellence, she announced. We shall also encourage industry to invest in research and development in specific priority areas.

Shuchi Ray, Partner, Deloitte India said that the budget announcements for the healthcare sector have considered the areas of research & development, skill development, awareness, infrastructure and preventive healthcare, which are very welcome.

“Focus on R&D via public private partnerships and benefits to industry are in line with the industry expectations and will help the country in its positioning as innovation hub. Specific recognition to research and manufacturing of medical devices will fulfill in meeting sector’s growth targets, increase manufacturing activity and meet the demand of medical devices at affordable prices in the long run. Overall, the announcements are inclusive and far-sighted, giving due importance to the sector,” she said.