Heart surgeon Naresh Trehan and chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry's Healthcare Committee on Friday said the budget would boost healthcare in the country and ensure cheaper medical facilities.
Speaking to rediff.com, Trehan said, "The first step is the announcement that hospitals with bed-strength of more than a 100 are accorded infrastructure industry status."
He said such a status meant hospitals or hospitals planning to expand their facilities can now avail all benefits under 23G, reducing their infrastructure costs to a large extent.
Trehan said the increased depreciation of medical equipment would also help reduce costs. He welcomed the reduction in customs duty on equipment for the disabled and other tax exemptions for people falling under this category.
He said the Janata Insurance Scheme needs more leverage so that more people, especially those who are financially disadvantaged, are able to come into the fold of insured health scheme.
He said with the industry status foreign investment can now be allowed at a preferred rate and that more extended long-term debts can be procured. This will make it easier for healthcare projects to come on line and be able to become viable within five to seven years.
Trehan said with vast highly trained manpower, healthcare could be made available at international standards at a fraction of the cost to overseas patients.
He said India has an advantage of becoming the hub for healthcare from Germany to Japan, which can attract more development and foreign exchange.