New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma on Monday supported the Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, saying that the current state of the country's public health indicators demands such a bold and adequate financial step, a press release said.

According to the release, Sharma said that this bill represents a significant shift in policy. "Health is no longer considered an expense, but a strategic investment in the nation's future. Imposing a cess on harmful products and channelling the revenue directly into health programs is a model that is both effective, equitable, and visionary."

Sharma pointed out that more than 1.4 million new cancer cases are reported in India every year, and approximately 900,000 deaths ar...