Thackeray vision = Health budget plans

One of the plans is to start yoga centres. File pic

With the civic elections around the corner, the BMC Budget has emphasised on health and the environment, with the vision of Shiv Sena leaders. Or rather, the vision of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and of Environment, Tourism and Protocol Minister Aaditya Thackeray.

The Budget has introduced two new schemes - Primary Health Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Health Centres and Balasaheb Thackeray clinics, and Shiv Yog centres. However, the new scheme of health centres is similar to Aapli Chikitsa. It was introduced in the budget 2019-20 and was a service supposed to be available at all dispensaries, peripheral hospitals, maternity homes and special hospitals. Under this service, 101 basic tests and 38 advanced tests were to be made available to patients with the aim of decongesting major hospitals by 30 per cent to 35 per cent.

The similar scheme introduced in the name of Balasaheb Thackeray Health Centres will also provide preventive and primary treatment facilities to citizens close to their residences. In these centres, 139 types of tests will be available at nominal rates. Examinations and check up programmes for diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease will be arranged. The Shiv Yog centres will be set up to spread awareness regarding physical and mental health.

Plan to face climate change

The Budget also reiterated the Mumbai Climate Action Plan which was launched in August 2021 by Aaditya Thackeray. Chahal mentioned that various schemes for the environment have been in process like introducing 1,900 electric buses, charging points for electric vehicles, a hydropower project over Middle Vaitarna dam, a desalination project at Manori, etc.

Mumbai is a city built extensively by reclaiming land from the sea, so it is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events induced by climate change. He added that various departments were given adequate budget provision for a Climate Action Plan.