The UPA government has announced that it would ensure universal access to free generic essential medicines in public health institutions in a phased and time-bound manner.

Addressing the Parliament on the opening day of the Budget session on Monday, President Pratibha Patil said the government was aiming to hike the both plan and non-plan expenditure in the Centre and the States together to 2.5 per cent of the GDP by the end of the 12th Plan.

“People need to be healthy if they have to learn, earn and lead a productive and fulfilling life. Our National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has started making a difference as reflected in the health indicators. The Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 58 per thousand live births in 2005 to 47 in 2010 and Maternal Mortality Ratio has declined from 254 per one lakh deliveries in 2004-2006 to 212 in 2007-2009. The Janani Suraksha Yojana registered impressive gains with 1.13 crore women benefitting during 2010-11. Polio has been almost eradicated from the country. The World Health Organisation has decided to take India off the list of countries with active endemic wild poliovirus transmission,” she said.

“In spite of the increased investment in health sector over the last 7 years, public expenditure on healthcare continues to be low. To attain the goal of universal healthcare, my Government would endeavour to increase both plan and non-plan public expenditure in the Centre and the States taken together to 2.5 per cent of the GDP by the end of the 12th Plan. Universal access to free generic essential medicines in public health institutions in a phased and time bound manner will be ensured. The NRHM will be converted into a National Health Mission covering urban areas also, in the course of the 12th Plan,” the President said.

“My Government launched the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke and The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly. We will strengthen district hospitals to provide advanced level secondary care. My Government is also working to end the shortage of human resources in health sector. Over the last three years there has been a 26 per cent increase in MBBS seats and 62 per cent increase in post graduate seats,” she said.

“Drawing upon our rich heritage, Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) are being integrated with allopathic health care services. The States are given financial support for providing AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals,” the President added.