Wide disparities in health outcomes: JP Nadda

The government today said there were wide disparities in terms of health outcomes such as maternal and infant mortality rates, reflecting variation in terms of availability of health services.

Wide disparities in health outcomes: governmentNEW DELHI: The government today said there were wide disparities in terms of health outcomes such as maternal and infant mortality rates, reflecting variation in terms of availability of health services.

Union Health Minister J P Nadda said this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Presenting the status of health care facilities in the country, Nadda said that according to Rural Health Statistics (RHS) Bulletin 2014, there was a 20 per cent shortfall of sub-centers, 23 per cent of primary health centers and 32 per cent of community health centers.

"Under National Health Mission, financial and technical support is provided to states and union territories to strengthen their health care system," he said.

He said the support is provided for upgradation or establishment of health infrastructure, engagement of nurse, doctors and specialists on contractual basis.

In another written reply, Nadda said that India is emerging as a health care hub in Asia.

"As per a study undertaken by KPMG and FICCI in 2014, there has been a steady growth in the number of persons visiting India for medical purposes," he said.

The minister said the total Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI) inflow in the hospital sector during 2013 and 2014 was above Rs 6,000 crore.

" Ministry of Tourism provides financial support under the Marketing Development Assistance Scheme to approved Medical Tourism Services Providers. The Department of Commerce also offers incentives to the hospitals providing medical treatment to foreigners," he said.