Budget a mixed bag for healthcare sector

The budget drew mixed reactions from healthcare industry representatives.

While the move to offer Rs5,000 exemption on preventive health check-up has pleasantly surprised all, the rest of the scenario presents a mixed bag — from increase in excise duty that is likely to raise medicine costs to exemption of service tax in healthcare and concessions in duty.

“The exemption  will go a long way in early detection of ailments and enhance awareness of preventive healthcare which is very low,” said Ruby Hall Clinic CEO Bomi Bhote.

Sancheti Hospitals chairman Dr Parag Sancheti said, “While service tax exemption in healthcare will reduce the hospital bills, hike in tax on individual surgeons would eventually affect patients. Increase in excise duty is also likely to hit cost of medicines,” he said.

Aditya Birla Hospital chief operating officer Rekha Dubey said, “The real need for better healthcare actually lies in rural areas. The various concessions in duty will help private players in expanding to rural areas.”