It’s a significant word, you know — freedom. What does it really mean?, I wonder. And then I come across this interesting quotation that our Union Finance Minister used to conclude his budget speech this year. Health, wealth, produce, and security, these are the ingredients of a progressive nation, it said. Aha, I have found the definition of freedom! Now, how has my country has performed on these fronts? I begin with health, of course. And boy, do I get a shock! In fact, after almost six decades, I begin to wonder whether we are free at all — health wise.

Just think about it. India’s public health scenario, even today, is at the same level as a low-income Sub-Saharan African nation! 30 per cent of the total diarrhea cases reported across the world are in India!! Every year, around five lakh children die of water-borne diseases here!!!

So is the government trying hard to free the nation from diseases? Not hard enough, really. Take a look at the budget again. While a hefty Rs 83,000 crores has been put in the Defence kitty, this year, the share of the health sector remains a low 10,000 crores, overall.

Minister saab, we agree security is important, but remember health comes first. Or weren’t you listening to your own budget speech???