Health infra projects will be the focus of the BMC in the coming year with most of its resources being directed to building of multi-specialty hospitals, maternity homes, and hostels, as per Saturday’s budget. The BMC’s public health budget has dropped by nine per cent this year. The budget estimate for 2023-24 stands at Rs 6,309 crore from Rs 6,933 in 2022-23. Of the total budget, 13 per cent—as opposed to 15 per cent last year—has been allocated to health.

BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjiv Kumar said, “Previously, we had allocated more money for COVID-related expenses. However, this year the threat of COVID-19 is almost gone, due to which there is a difference of Rs 600-Rs 500 crore.”