Is a Strong India Possible Only if Every Citizen is Healthy?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Health is essential for national strength.
- Ayushman Bharat scheme covers 10 crore families.
- Significant growth in medical colleges and MBBS seats.
- Focus on affordable medications through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- Government prioritizes health for the marginalized communities.
Ghaziabad, Oct 26 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized on Sunday that a robust India can only be achieved if every citizen enjoys good health, noting that the nation's health infrastructure has evolved significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance.
During the inauguration of a new hospital in Ghaziabad, Rajnath Singh stated, "We are progressing towards the India envisioned by our ancestors: a resilient and healthy India. Every policy, every initiative is aimed at uplifting the poor, deprived, and rural communities of our nation."
“Our conviction is that India’s strength lies in the health of its citizens. We aspire to transition India into a developed nation by 2047, which requires prioritizing the health of our people,” he articulated.
“We have ensured that no impoverished individual in India feels hopeless due to illness. Thanks to the Ayushman Bharat initiative, health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year has been provided to 10 crore families. Now, all senior citizens above 70 years are included in this program, ensuring government support during their most vulnerable stages of life,”
The Defence Minister pointed out that through Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras, generic medications are now accessible to the public at minimal costs, benefitting people in every village.
He also stressed the government’s commitment to enhancing health infrastructure. “In 2014, India had 387 medical colleges; this number has now surged to 800. The number of MBBS seats has grown from 50,000 to over 120,000.”
Furthermore, the establishment of 22 new AIIMS has been approved. Of these, 12 are operational, while construction of the others is underway. Once all institutions are fully functional, our health network will witness further fortification,” he stated.
The Defence Minister reiterated that the PM Modi government bases its decisions on the welfare of the poor, deprived, and marginalized rural populations, and urged citizens to support the vision of a Developed India by 2047.