Cabinet gives nods for creation of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi

New Delhi, March 10: Union Cabinet, led by PM Modi gave their approval to the creation of e Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) as a single non-lapsable reserve fund for health from the proceeds of health and education cess. The cabinet has approved the Nidhi under Section 136-b of Finance Act, 2007.

 

The salient feature of PMSSN is that it is a non-lapsable reserve fund for health in the public account and proceeds of the share of health in the health and education cess will be credited into PMSSN. The accruals into the PMSSN will be utilised for the flagship schemes of the Health Ministry including Ayushmann Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Ayushmann Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY); Ayushman Bharat–Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs); National Health Mission and Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) and also disaster preparedness, and responses during health emergencies.

 

 

Moreover, in any financial year, the expenditure on such schemes of the MoHFW would be initially incurred from the PMSSN and thereafter, from Gross Budgetary Support (GBS).

 

According to the press release, the major benefit will be enhanced access to universal and affordable health care through the availability of earmarked resources, while ensuring that the amount does not lapse at the end of the financial year, the release added.

 

During the budget speech 2018, the Finance Minister announced the replacement of the existing 3% Education Cess by 4% Health and Education Cess while announcing Ayushman Bharat Scheme.