The Congress in Gujarat has hit out at another vulnerable spot of the Narendra Modi government — human development index.
The Congress in Gujarat has hit out at another vulnerable spot of the Narendra Modi government — human development index. After the runaway success of their ‘ghar nu ghar’ scheme, the party’s fifth agenda in the string of 12 polls promises is to drastically improve health and wellness of people – when and if they come to power. The plans were revealed in an address to the media on Tuesday noon.
The first of its kind elaborate and specific plan is to make medicines 70% cheaper, provide health insurance for middleclass up to Rs30,000 per annum earnings whose premium will be borne by the government, supply 250 life saving drugs free of cost, improving state agencies like civil hospital, primary and secondary health centers, etc. The aim apparently is to touch upon another sensitive issue of middle and lower income groups, for whom health services will always be a concern. Short of the state bearing complete health expenses, combined with providing efficient services in government hospitals, health will continue to be a sore issue.
As for Gujarat, statistics tell their own tale. A statement issued by the party stated Gujarat ranked 31st amongst states for per capita health expenditure by state at Rs 270 with 53 government hospital beds available per 1 lakh of populace. On top of the list is Mizoram with Rs 1,611 per capita health expenditure and 128 beds.
The promises are tall, but Congress’s election campaign in-charge Shankersinh Vaghela claims these initiatives are simple yet effective methods which the ruling BJP can execute instantly today, but doesn’t. “Responding to our propaganda, Modi may respond with similar promises, but it would be obviously only to garner votes before elections. If they can do it now, why haven’t they done it for last 10 years?” he said addressing the media on Tuesday.
A Gujarat Medical Service Corporation will be formed, which will ensure availability of life saving drugs free of cost at all hospitals. “In Gujarat, drugs are costlier by 15 times as branded medicines are sold for the benefit of drug manufacturers. If those medicines are purchased in generic form, it would be 10% of the incumbent prices. A survey conducted by National Sample Survey revealed for Rajasthan, which has a similar arrangement, that the medicines priced at Rs 3187 could be made available at only Rs 255,” Congress president in Gujarat Modhwadia, said.
The state government, however, said that the Congress party was trying to mislead people of Gujarat with false figures. "The Congress' criticism of health services provided by the state government is unfounded. Their announcement are akin to creating illusions for the people," health minister Jaynarayan Vyas, said.
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