India, Jan. 16 -- The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has welcomed the Government's announcement of according 'industry status' to private hospitals, along with support for land acquisition, clearances and funding, to boost expansion of healthcare infrastructure in tier 2 and 3 cities.

The announcement follows the launch of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY in September 2018, which aims to provide 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families (nearly 50 crore beneficiaries) with an annual cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

Welcoming the move by the government and highlighting the need for more healthcare delivery organisations to ensure access under PMJAY, Sangita Reddy- Senior...