Indian president calls for higher spending in health sector

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said that if India has to be counted in advanced countries, it has to increase its spending in health sector. "There is a need to increase our spending in the health sector. Public expenditure on health in India is 1.2 percent of Gross Domestic Product. This is much lower than the 4 percent plus levels in countries like US, UK, Australia, Norway, and Brazil," Mukherjee addressed a function at Mysore, in southern state of Karnataka. "If we want our nation to progress; to be counted as one of the advanced countries in the world, we have to build our soft power. We have to enhance people's capabilities by ensuring health and nutritional security, providing quality education and ensuring a decent standard of life," he added. Also, the President said technology has to be harnessed in healthcare to increase access to quality medical treatment, adding the innovative uses of technology have to be explored. "Effective and inexpensive cure for many diseases has to be found. Sophisticated equipment for medical procedures that are presently imported has to be manufactured indigenously. Research centers and medical colleges have to be encouraged for innovations," he said. In addition, Mukherjee pointed out that studies have indicated that investments in preventive public health are both pro-poor and pro-growth. He noted that a 'healthy India' was possible only if disease prevention, early detection and treatment have are found.