February 3 2016, 12.09 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
India’s healthcare industry has boomed with the emergence of e-reports, appointment booking portals, telemedicine, etc.; not only in terms of economy but also in terms of employment opportunities and expansion to underserved areas. With the technology playing a pivotal role, the future of healthcare is going to be information-rich and patient-centric. Besides this, the asymmetry in the demand-supply game will make the sector an attractive one for private equity investments. With a rise in the number of start-ups entering the health sector, coupled with IT there is a greater scope of creativity and innovation in the sector.
• In Budget 2016, the Government should provide healthcare infrastructure status that would help funding for specialty clinics.
• Make medical visas for foreign patients easier.
• Raise tax-exempt medical reimbursements level from 15000 to 1,00,000/-.
• Since there is a major increase in life style diseases such as diabetes, cardio vascular diseases etc. the wellness programs should also be classified for medical reimbursements.
• Encourage e-health with tax exemption so that ecommerce healthcare companies can reach rural markets.
• The government should also work towards exempting healthcare services and products from Goods and Services Tax (GST), especially on preventive health check-up and wellness programs.
