Discuss issues related to health & medical education: MP Arora calls upon Health & FW Cabinet Minister JP Nadda 

Ludhiana, July 11, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora who is also a Member of Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, met the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In a statement here on Thursday, he said he apprised the Minister that he has actively participated in parliamentary duties with a focus on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He further apprised the Minister that since his Membership to the Upper House, he raised a total of 8 questions in the Parliament related to Health and Family Welfare issues. During the Zero Hour, he made one significant intervention, highlighting the need to make Ayushman Scheme more effective by enabling poor to get full benefits. He also made one Special Mention, drawing attention of the August House regarding affordable healthcare in hospitals getting benefits from the Government under Income Tax Act. 

Further, Arora apprised the Minister that the subject of health is remarkably close to his heart, therefore, his contributions through various forms and tools are dedicated in enhancing the health sector and addressing key concerns within his capacity as an MP, Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare and as an Industrialist.

Arora also urged upon the Minister to make Ayushman Scheme more effective. He stated that as of now average spent on patients treated under Ayushma is Rs.12,000 which is exceptionally low. Average Bed count on hospital empanelled are around 45 Beds, which shows that bigger hospitals with critical treatment are mostly inaccessible by the patients being treated under the Ayushman Scheme. Some actions which make Ayushman more successful were discussed.

A change in health insurance plans was discussed to reduce out of pocket expenses in the Country which is as of now around 60%.

On Medical Education front a cap of 150 seats of UG(MBBS) were discussed. This has an ambiguity as Medical Colleges with history cannot be in same league as new hospitals. He suggested that that older Medical Colleges should be eligible for more MBBS seats if they fulfil the criteria of infrastructure. He pointed out that Respiratory Medicine has been deleted under UG course. Keeping in view Covid, TB and recent spike of another pandemic in China which also related to respiratory issues. He suggested to have it as a separate subject in UG and not club it with General Medicine. 

Meanwhile, Arora said the Minister gave a patient hearing to him and appreciated his active participation in parliamentary duties with a focus on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He said the Minister assured him to look into all the suggestions given by him in the larger public interest. He hoped that his suggestions, if accepted and implemented, would benefit people at large across the country.