The 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) outlay for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has increased to Rs 30,0018 crore. The Plan envisages substantial expansion and strengthening of the public health systems both in rural and urban areas, with robust provision of primary health care.

As per the economic survey 2012-13, the percentage of GDP allocated for health expenditure in the country during 2012-13 (BE) is 1.36 per cent. As per 12th Five Year Plan document, total public funding by the Centre and States, plan and non-plan, on core health is envisaged to increase to 1.87 percent of GDP by the end of the 12th Plan.

When viewed in the perspective of the broader health sector, the total government expenditure as a proportion of GDP is envisaged to increase to 3.04 percent by the end of the 12th Plan. The strategy envisaged in the 12th Plan is part of a longer term plan to move towards Universal Health Coverage, which is a process that unfolds over two or three plan periods.