Delhi government hikes budget for health department

New Delhi: The Delhi government on Monday proposed to allocate Rs.5,259 crore for the health department, a hike of Rs.472 crore over last year's budget.

Announcing the proposal in the budget, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Manish Sisodia recently said: "The health department is being allocated Rs.5,259 crore. Through the money allocated for the health department, Delhi will get 1,000 mohalla (community) clinics and 150 polyclinics in various parts of the city."

Last year's budget allocation for health stood at Rs.4,787 crore.

He also announced that the Delhi government has planned to add 10,000 additional beds in its various hospitals.

"We have also decided to take buildings in various parts of the city on rent to open 100 mohalla clinics immediately," said Sisodia.