Here’s what healthcare startup Practo found encouraging about the new Budget

The 2016-17 Union Budget was a budget for the poor, as the government aims to bring development to the grass roots level. Rural sector, big schemes and agriculture, all saw some historic announcements.

But health was perhaps the most significant change from past years.

“The Finance Minister’s focus on health as one of the key pillars proves to show that everyone should have the right to live a healthy lifestyle. The fact that quality drugs will be made available by setting up 3,000 stores in rural India along with health insurance of upto Rs. 1 lakh per family; top up of Rs. 35,000 for individuals above 60 years indicates that incentives should be made available to every Indian, irrespective of old age or income limitation,” said Shashank ND, the founder & CEO of healthcare startup, Practo.

He further added that the government's ambitious scheme Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, and LPG connection for women in rural homes will help in pushing the agenda of preventive healthcare even further. The National Dialysis services programme is also a heartening initiative taken up by the government.

Shashank added that clarity on tax holiday and easing out of the registration process will nurture the growth of Practo.

“The ease of registration process and the hope to complete the task in 1 day is a welcome measure along with the 3 year Tax holiday for startups. At least this will allow a speedy way to setting up a venture and help startups to focus on the building disruptive products and services without worrying about profits or losses. It is also good to see aspiring entrepreneurs to get access to quality education and training through various newly built colleges, schools, government ITI’s and vocation training centers through massive open online courses. Reduction of long term capital gains from 3 years to 2 years is a positive move by the government,” he said.

(Image credits: Indiatimes)