IDPD urges increased health budget for better public healthcare in Punjab
Ferozepur, March 27, 2025: Dr. Arun Mitra, President of the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), and Dr. Inderveer Singh Gill have expressed strong disapproval of the Punjab government’s recent health budget allocation. They highlighted that the health sector has been allocated Rs 5,598 crore out of a total state budget of Rs 2.36 lakh crore, accounting for only 2.37% of the overall budget. This represents a marginal increase from the previous year’s allocation of Rs 5,264 crore, which constituted 2.56% of the total budget.
The doctors emphasized that such a modest allocation is insufficient to address the pressing healthcare needs of Punjab’s population. They questioned the feasibility of the Chief Minister’s plan to extend universal health insurance to all 65 lakh families in the state, given the limited financial commitment to the health sector. Dr. Mitra stated, “The allocation of Rs 5,598 crore is just 2.37% of the total budget, way short of the 10% required for quality service.”
The medical professionals also pointed out that the current budget fails to adequately account for inflationary pressures, potentially hindering the improvement of healthcare services in the state. They called for a reassessment of the budget to ensure that the health sector receives a more substantial share, advocating for an allocation of at least 10%, facilitating the provision of quality healthcare services to the people of Punjab.