Even before Modicare, or the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS), was introduced in September, treatment was largely free at government hospitals. Almost two million people have benefited from the scheme so far, with the government allocating some $1.2 billion since the launch. "If the state governments too can be stimulated to increase their health budgets, the scheme will become sustainable." More broadly, Modi needs to build more facilities, train more staff and implement more reforms in what remains a dysfunctional healthcare system, experts say. "I think this scheme is good and it will only get better," said Sunil Kumar, a daily-wage labourer and Devi's son-in-law.

Source: Bangkok Post May 29, 2019 04:30 UTC