JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal | Jammu
The Central Government has prioritized the health sector in the Union Budget, taking a major decision for cancer patients. Custom duty has been completely abolished on 17 essential drugs used in cancer treatment. This decision is expected to provide relief to cancer patients across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, and reduce treatment costs to some extent.
According to Health Department data, approximately 10,000 new cancer patients seek treatment in various hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir every year. While patients receive treatment assistance under the Sehat Scheme, they still have to spend thousands of rupees out of pocket due to expensive medications. Doctors say that if the removal of custom duty reduces drug prices by 10 to 20 percent, it will be a major relief for cancer patients and their families. According to health experts, medication costs are the biggest burden in long-term cancer treatment.
AYUSH Promotion, Three New Ayurveda Institutes Proposed
The Union Budget also includes a proposal to open three new Ayurveda institutes to promote cancer treatments and AYUSH medical systems. Experts in the Ayurveda field believe that Jammu and Kashmir holds immense potential for AYUSH systems. Experts working in the field of Ayurveda for nearly four decades say that the state already has an Ayurveda, a Homeopathy, and a Unani college, while a proposal has been made to establish an Ayurveda college in the Kashmir division. If new Ayurveda institutes are established, they will benefit not only patients in Jammu and Kashmir but also patients from neighboring states.
Medical Tourism Potential to Strengthen
According to health experts, the establishment of AIIMS, medical colleges, and AYUSH medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir has strengthened healthcare facilities in the past few years. Consequently, the budget announcements could play a significant role in making the state a better destination for medical tourism.
Experts say that giving priority to the health sector by the Central Government is a welcome step and its direct benefit will be seen in the quality of patient care and treatment.
