Centre planning to double allocation for health sector

Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh has said that Centre was aiming to increase allocation for health sector from from 1.20% of the GDP to 2.50% by 2025.

Speaking at the 23rd convocation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) here on Saturday, Singh suggested the institute to modernise itself and adopt digital form of documentation. Expressing concern over the increasing suicides in the country, Singh urged the Union Health Minister J P Nadda (who was also present at the function) to launch a nationwide programme to prevent suicides and extend it to the armed forces as well.

Congratulating the graduating students, Singh called upon them to commit themselves to values in life and not to run after money and power.

“Everyone has knowledge along with degrees and doctorates. Even terrorists have the same knowledge. But it matters whether you are using it for constructive or destructive purpose. Always remember to have values in life,” he added.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda said that Centre had recognised the need to focus on mental health and brought in the Mental Healthcare
Act, 2017.In a first, doctor of medicine (DM) degree in addiction psychiatry was conferred on Dr Jayant Mahadevan. Dr Shilpa Rao was conferred the degree in neuropathology.

Dr Mahadevan said that he always wanted to be a doctor and render service in the field of mental health. He said that addiction is a subject which is always overlooked.