Mumbai, Feb 24 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu emphasized on Tuesday that the Government of India has implemented numerous significant initiatives in the last ten years to guarantee that every citizen maintains good health and has access to high-quality healthcare.

The President highlighted that a healthy populace is the bedrock of a robust nation. Shielding individuals from illnesses and providing timely, suitable medical attention are vital for maintaining their well-being.

“Healthcare is a fundamental aspect of nation-building. The health of our citizens is a shared duty. Every stakeholder must collaborate to ensure that even the most impoverished individuals receive prompt and adequate medical care. The mission of 'Affordable World-Class Healthcare Services for All' should resonate with everyone,” she stated.

Her remarks came during the launch of the nationwide initiative by PD Hinduja Hospital, titled “Saving Lives and Building a Healthier Bharat.”

The President asserted that the nation is progressing towards the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, noting that healthy citizens are essential for realizing this aspiration.

“Citizens will remain in good health only if they have timely access to quality healthcare. I am confident that through our collective endeavors, our citizens will enjoy excellent healthcare, and India will be recognized globally as a premier healthcare destination,” she expressed.

She added that over 180,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are delivering healthcare services nationwide.

Under the world's largest health insurance initiative, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, approximately 12 crore families benefit from health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually for hospitalization.

According to the President, national programs like Mission Indradhanush, the TB-Free India Campaign, and the Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission are instrumental in safeguarding citizens from diseases.

The availability of quality doctors and paramedical professionals has been enhanced by increasing the number of MBBS and postgraduate seats. New AIIMS and medical colleges have been established across various states to ensure access to quality healthcare.

“These initiatives are producing positive outcomes. Nonetheless, the involvement of all stakeholders, alongside the government, is vital in creating a healthy India. It is imperative that we all join forces to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every citizen. The campaign 'Saving Lives and Building a Healthier India' is one such initiative aimed at this goal,” she remarked.

The President stated that saving a life is the greatest act of charity. Access to emergency medical services is crucial for preserving lives. It is widely believed that administering proper medical care within the golden hour can save many lives.

To guarantee that no one loses their life due to a lack of immediate medical assistance, the PM Relief Scheme offers cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh for accident victims. Alongside ambulances and trauma centers, raising awareness is also key to saving lives during severe accidents and medical emergencies, she added.

She pointed out that, similar to other sectors, technology and AI are playing an increasingly significant role in healthcare. Their influence is expected to grow in the future, and we must be prepared for this shift. The Government of India is fostering an environment conducive to innovation and the widespread adoption of new technologies. The IndiaAI Mission is championing innovation in AI-driven healthcare.

The President noted that India is a leading producer of pharmaceuticals. Medicines produced in our country are aiding in the treatment of individuals globally.

“However, we still depend on imports for many medical devices and essential medicines. These imported items place a substantial financial burden on ordinary citizens. Manufacturing medicines and equipment domestically is crucial for providing affordable healthcare. Initiatives like Make in India and PLI are working towards this objective,” she commented.

She encouraged the medical community and business sector to engage in nation-building by promoting research, innovation, and startups in this vital field.