Question: Consider following statement regarding PM Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi-
i) This is a non-lapsable reserve fund for the Health in the Public Account.
ii) It is made for utilization of share of Health from the proceeds of Health and Education Cess levied under Finance Act, 2007.
iii) Revenue in the fund will be used for the flagship schemes of the Union Health Ministry.
Which of the above are correct
a) i
b)ii
c)iii
d) all of the above
Ans: d)
Context
- On March 10, 2021 Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi (PMSSN) fund.
Facts
- It is a non-lapsable reserve fund for the Health in the Public Account.
- It is made for utilization of share of Health from the proceeds of Health and Education Cess levied under Finance Act, 2007.
- Revenue in the fund will be used for the flagship schemes of the Health Ministry including the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres, Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and for the emergency & disaster preparedness and responses in cases of health emergencies.
- Revenues will also be used for any future programme and scheme that targets to achieve progress towards Sustainable Development Goals and the targets set out in the National Health Policy 2017.
Importance of fund
- Fund will enhance the access to universal and affordable health care through availability of earmarked resources, while ensuring that the amount does not lapse at the end of financial year.
The administration and maintenance of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Nidhi is entrusted to the Health Ministry and in any financial year, the expenditure on such schemes would be initially incurred from the PMSSN and thereafter from Gross Budgetary Support.
By kameshwar shukla