The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced during the presentation of the Union Budget 2022-2023 that a national tele-mental health initiative will be started as the epidemic has exacerbated mental health problems in individuals of all ages.

“The pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues among people of all ages. A national tele-mental health initiative will be created to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services. This would include a network of 23 tele-mental health excellence centres, with NIMHANS serving as the node and the International Institute of Information Technology, IIIT, Bangalore providing technical assistance,” Minister of Finance stated.

Sitharaman went on to say, “A national digital health ecosystem open platform would be launched. It will include digital health provider and health facility registries, unique health identities, a consent framework, and universal access to health facilities.”

“Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Sakasham Anganwadi, and Poshan Maah 2.0 are three initiatives that were recently created to give integrated benefits to women and children. Saksham Anganwadis are a new generation of anganwadis with upgraded infrastructure and audio-visual aid powered by clean energy, and they create a better environment for early childhood development. The project will upgrade two lakh anganwadis,” she continued.

In presenting her fourth consecutive Union Budget, she stated, “I am aware that we are in the midst of an Omicron wave with a high incidence but lesser symptoms. Furthermore, the pace and breadth of our immunisation effort have been quite beneficial. We are in a solid position to resist challenges thanks to the rapid strengthening of health infrastructure during the last two years. I am optimistic that with Sabka Prayas, we will continue on our path of rapid expansion.”

“Sympathy for those who were affected by the pandemic. We are confident in our ability to overcome problems in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to provide a required ecology for the middle class. This Budget aims to provide the groundwork for Amit Kal’s transition from India at 75 to India at 100,” Sitharaman stated.