Budget 2024: Govt plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising existing hospital infrastructure, says FM

This week, the NEET PG examination fee was reduced by Rs 750 for all candidates. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has decided to reduce the exam fees to benefit the lakhs of candidates appearing for the examinations under it, the official said. In 2013, application fee for general and OBC category was Rs 3,750, which was raised to Rs 4,250 in 2021 (the current fee). This has been reduced to Rs 3,500 with effect from January 1, 2024. In 2013, the application fee for SC, ST and PWD candidates was Rs 2,750, which was which was raised to Rs 3,250 in 2021. This has been reduced to Rs 2,500 now.

The minister added that the government will encourage vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer. Various schemes for maternal and child healthcare will be brought under one comprehensive programme for synergy in implementation, Sitharaman said.

The minister said the government will expedite the upgradation of anganwadi centres under Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development.

"The healthcare cover under the Ayushman Bharat will be extended to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers," the minister said.

She was appointed as the finance minister when Narendra Modi swept to power again in the 2019 election and presented her maiden Budget on July 5, 2019. The Budget for 2024-25 is Sitharaman's sixth straight Budget.