By emphasising on Ayushman Bharat free drugs and diagnostic facilities and free screening, he said, “we have reduced out-of-pocket expenditure from 62% to 47.1%.” “The government is committed to bringing down out-of-pocket expenditure.”

Nadda said the government is focusing on providing effective and affordable medicines, with a special emphasis on cancer treatment. “Our flagship initiative, the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, has already made significant strides. We have established 13,000 outlets, providing affordable medicines to the people,” he said, adding the move is aimed at enhancing accessibility in healthcare.

Nadda said PM Narendra Modi has resolved to further expand this network to 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras in next 5 years. “This ambitious goal will ensure that affordable medicines are within easy reach of the poor and vulnerable populace, improving health outcomes and saving lives,” he said.

He said the government is working to provide free drug and diagnostic facilities through the National Health Mission, which plays a vital role in enabling states to strengthen their healthcare infrastructure and logistics.

NHM accounts for a significant 55% of overall healthcare budget, he said. The government has made substantial investments in tertiary healthcare, with an allocation of `13,900 crore towards the PM Swasthya Suraksha Yojana over the past decade, he said.

Nadda also said the government is moving in the direction of achieving the 2.5% target of health expenditure. He said the expenditure on health has increased from 1.1% of GDP to 1.9% of GDP.

Later, LS approved the Demands for Grant of the Ministry of Health through voice vote.