Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari has called for health and nutrition to be given the highest priority in the Abua Dishom Budget 2026–27, stressing that the budget must be strong, forward-looking and directly beneficial to the common people.
Demand for Major Increase in Health Budget
Speaking at a pre-budget consultation meeting, Dr Ansari urged the state government to double the health department’s allocation from the current Rs 5,500 crore to Rs 11,000 crore. He said enhanced funding would enable the establishment of better hospitals, new medical colleges, high-tech laboratories, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. He also highlighted the need to develop super-specialty hospitals so that patients in Jharkhand can access modern and quality healthcare within the state itself.
Nutrition and Food Security Emphasised
The health minister also sought an increase in the budget of the food and civil supplies department. He underlined the importance of providing protein-rich food grains through the public distribution system. Dr Ansari specifically advocated replacing palm oil with mustard oil in the PDS to improve the nutritional intake of the population and promote better public health outcomes.
Vision of a Healthy and Prosperous Jharkhand
Dr Ansari said that a healthy Jharkhand is the foundation of a prosperous Jharkhand. He asserted that the government’s goal should not be limited to making promises, but to effectively implement schemes on the ground so that people receive tangible benefits. Expressing confidence, he said the Abua Dishom Budget 2026–27 would prove to be a significant step toward inclusive development and public welfare in the state.
