Why is Mohan Bhagwat Advocating for Affordable Healthcare?

Indore, Aug 10 (NationPress) The realms of health and education, once esteemed as altruistic endeavors for the public good, have become increasingly disconnected from the everyday experiences of regular Indians, cautioned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday. He expressed apprehension over their escalating inaccessibility and the drift towards commercialization.

Speaking at the launch of the “Guruji Seva Nyas Cancer Care Centre” in Indore, Bhagwat lamented that institutions once driven by compassion and duty now operate under the burden of profit, sidelining the average individual from essential entitlements.

“Health and education were once acts of ‘seva’—selfless service,” he noted.

“Today, they have been commodified to such an extent that they are neither affordable nor accessible.”

He urged a renewed dedication to community-based, low-cost healthcare and education, calling on society to reclaim these vital areas from market interests and restore their function as instruments for collective well-being.

In a pointed critique of India’s public services, he condemned the encroaching commercialization of healthcare and education—two fundamental pillars of societal welfare that, he argued, have deviated from their original mission of service.

The RSS chief reiterated the need for a recommitment to affordable, community-centered healthcare that alleviates suffering rather than intensifying it, advocating for a return to care models that prioritize human dignity over market considerations.

Recalling a personal memory, he shared: “I had malaria and missed school for three days. My teacher came to my home, brought jungle herbs, and ensured I recovered. He believed that a student’s well-being was his responsibility. That spirit of care must return to our society.”

Bhagwat underscored the glaring disparities in cancer treatment, highlighting that quality care is predominantly available in just 8 to 10 cities across India.

“Medical treatment should not induce stress. We need healthcare that is both affordable and geographically accessible,” he asserted.

On education, he pointed out that students often have to travel extensive distances for quality learning, reflecting the challenges faced by patients in need of advanced medical care.

“While education hubs have emerged, they remain out of reach for many. Previously, teaching was an obligation—now it has turned into a business,” he stated.

He also warned against the indiscriminate application of Western medical research, emphasizing that treatments must be customized to individual and regional needs.

“Some respond to naturopathy, while others prefer homeopathy. No single system is universally superior. Indian medical traditions recognize this diversity,” he remarked.

His comments emerge amidst a growing national dialogue focused on restoring equity and ethics in public services, particularly in sectors crucial for human dignity and development.

The newly opened cancer care facility in Indore, managed by Guruji Seva Nyas under the Madhav Srishti healthcare initiative, represents a significant advancement towards equitable medical access.

Founded with the principle of “seva” (service), the initiative aims to provide high-quality cancer treatment at minimal costs, especially for economically disadvantaged families.

The center offers a comprehensive range of therapies—including radiation, chemotherapy, Ayurveda, naturopathy, homoeopathy, acupuncture, and neuropathy.