World's largest govt-funded health prog 'National Health Protection Scheme' to cover 10 cr poor

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced world's largest government-funded health programme - 'National Health Protection Scheme' to cover 10 crore poor and vulnerable families by providing upto Rs 5 lakh per family per year on Thursday.Presenting his last full budget before the General elections in the Lok Sabha, Mr Jaitley said, 'The Government is slowly but steadily progressing towards universal health coverage.'

He announced the health flagship programme of the Centre amidst the thumping of desks.He also announced that one government medical college will be ensured for every three parliamentary constituencies by upgrading 24 district-level colleges.(UNI)