New Delhi [India]: On the occasion of World Health Day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing the Modi-led administration of pushing India’s healthcare system into an “ICU” through poor policy decisions, high medical inflation, and insufficient public spending.
In a sharply worded post on X, Kharge said, “Dawai, ilaj par mehangai ki Bhajpai goli,” as he criticized the Centre for rising healthcare costs and alleged that its failure to prioritise public health has severely burdened common citizens.
Kharge Cites Alarming Statistics on Medical Costs
Kharge highlighted a 14% annual medical inflation rate over the last five years, noting that 900 essential medicines saw price hikes as of April.
He referenced a NITI Aayog report, claiming that 10 crore Indians are pushed to the brink of poverty every year due to expensive medical treatments.
“Common people are burdened with an 18% GST on health and life insurance premiums,” Kharge said. “Essential medical items such as oxygen, bandages, surgical tools, wheelchairs, and even sanitary napkins are taxed between 12–18%, further straining household budgets.”
The Congress leader pointed to the rising cost of critical procedures, noting that angioplasty costs have doubled, while kidney transplant expenses have tripled in recent years. He also alleged that despite the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP on health, the Modi government is only spending 1.84%, with the health budget decreasing by 42% compared to overall central expenditure.
PM Modi Calls for Health Consciousness and Fitness Drive
In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked World Health Day by emphasising the importance of wellness and a healthy lifestyle. In a post on X, he reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and investing in public well-being.
“Good health is the foundation of every thriving society!” PM Modi wrote. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier world.”
The Prime Minister shared a video message quoting the Sanskrit phrase “Aarogyam Paramam Bhagyam” (Health is the ultimate fortune), and addressed rising lifestyle diseases, especially obesity, which a report predicts will affect over 440 million Indians by 2050.
Modi urged citizens to cut cooking oil consumption by 10% and make regular exercise a part of daily life. He linked personal fitness to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
India’s Healthcare Push: Mixed Reactions on Progress
The central government continues to promote health reforms through flagship initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission (NHM), with a focus on maternal and child health, digital healthcare expansion, and rural medical infrastructure.
On World Health Day 2025, with the WHO’s theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” India finds itself at the intersection of commendable healthcare innovations and rising scrutiny over accessibility and affordability.