Over Rs 6,700 cr allocated for health

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Thursday allocated Rs 6,729 crore to the health sector in the 2018-19 Budget, amounting to 12.7 per cent of the total Budget.

This year's allocation is 12 per cent higher that what it was in 2017-18, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told the Assembly.

He said that Rs 403 crore has been allocated for Mohalla clinics and polyclinics.

Mobile van clinics, at Rs 15 crore, for providing eye and ear care services will be started, the Deputy CM said.

"530 land sites have been identified to set up of new Mohalla clinics. The government aims to set up a total of 1,000 Mohalla clinics in the next financial year," he added.

The government will launch a 'Health Insurance for All' scheme, for which Rs 100 crore has been allocated.

The Deputy CM said that 24 polyclinics are in operation and 94 dispensaries have been identified for converting into polyclinics.

Sisodia added that 2,546 new beds will be added in seven existing hospitals by way of remodelling/ expansion.

Furthermore, to provide trauma services with reduced response time in congested areas of east Delhi, First Responder Vehicles with 16 motorcycles will be started.

Sisodia explained the Assembly the need for more Mohalla clinics in the city and how the existing clinics are helping people.

Mohalla clinics have been a pet project of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

However, obstacles in getting land from Delhi Development Authority and other agencies stopped the clinics from being build.

However, last year, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal cleared the file for construction of new Mohalla clinics.

On Wednesday, while tabling the first Outcome Budget 2017-18, Sisodia had said that the government has managed to set up 160 Mohalla clinics till December 31 this fiscal, against a target of 1,000 such facilities.