Mr. Rajat Goel, Co Founder of Eye Q Super Speciality Hospital
As a leading eye care hospital chain in India, Eye-Q is acutely aware of the pressing need for proactive measures in addressing the vision challenges faced by millions. With an estimated 34 million people grappling with blindness or moderate to severe visual impairment, the economic toll on our nation cannot be understated. As we await the Union Budget 2024, our expectations are centered on transformative initiatives. The government must prioritize large-scale door-to-door eye screening, testing, and awareness programs, especially in remote regions and among marginalized communities. A dedicated drive to clear the backlog of cataract surgeries, particularly in tier-II III towns is paramount. In order to realize this objective, we expect the budget to incentivize eye care hospital chains committed to ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, and maintaining high-quality eye care. Moreover, a strategic reduction in GST and import taxes is crucial for enhancing affordability of health insurance and eye-care equipment.
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Dr. Gorav Gupta, Psychiatrist and Co- Founder of Emoneeds
At Emoneeds, we eagerly await the upcoming budget with optimism for groundbreaking initiatives in the mental health sector. In a country where there is just one psychiatrist for every two-lakh people, the need for increased accessibility to mental health services is paramount, especially as the population continues to rise. We strongly advocate for the allocation of resources to back awareness programs reaching all communities, with the aim of destigmatizing the act of seeking help when needed. A dedicated fund to address serious mental illnesses should be an integral component of this initiative. To combat the alarming suicide rates among students and corporate employees, we propose the incorporation of emotional wellness programs in educational institutions and corporations to enhance accessibility and support. Including the reimbursement of mental health services in healthcare insurance would be a vital step in this direction. Recognizing the innovative solutions emerging from the Healthtech sector, we also urge the provision of a dedicated budget for startups leveraging deep technology.
Dr. Krishna Veer Singh, Co-Founder, Lissun
In the upcoming budget, we anticipate further emphasis on mental health support. The government has already acknowledged its importance, introducing initiatives like tele Manas and incorporating IPD coverage for mental health through IRDA. However, two critical areas require attention. First, India urgently needs a greater number of qualified mental health professionals, particularly clinical psychologists and psychiatric social workers. The government should focus on increasing these numbers to meet the rising demand, a trend that has become especially pronounced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, psychotherapy, a fundamental component of mental health treatment, remains uncovered by insurance. Ensuring OPD coverage for psychotherapy is essential; it would address affordability issues, making these vital services accessible to a broader segment of the population.
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Ms. Sakshi Bakshi, CEO of EPIA
As a woman entrepreneur, my expectations from the upcoming budget are rooted in addressing the gender disparity in the workforce. To narrow the gap, I suggest introducing incentives for rural women entering the workforce, encompassing subsidies for household expenses and utility bills. If put into action, this initiative will not just encourage financial independence for women but also drive growth in rural income. Furthermore, it is imperative to translate existing policies into corporate action. Granting benefits like tax holidays and government funds access to companies embracing maternity leave and gender equal pay will propel execution. Additionally, facilitating more women to become founders requires offering financial grants and streamlined access to prestigious institutions like IIT/IIM incubators and accelerators. This will not only foster female entrepreneurship but also contribute to a thriving and diverse business ecosystem
