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India’s ruling party has promised to open 150,000 health centers with the aim of improving basic healthcare access to the poor. A country of 1.3 billion people presently has only about 18,000 such centers that are operating in different levels of excellence.

In keeping with its promise, the government announced an increase of 33% in its annual budget for the National Health Mission that was presented on 7 July 2019. The budget allotted Rs.1600 crore ($23 million)  for Health and Wellness Centers. These centers promise to provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services. Besides, these centers also provide free essential drugs and diagnostic services.