New Delhi, Oct 9 (NationPress) The Union government is dedicated to enhancing comprehensive healthcare across the nation, emphasizing early diagnosis and improved access, stated Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday.

During the two-day FICCI HEAL 2025 conference held here, the health minister underscored the transformation in healthcare policies in India over the past decade.

The Union Minister pointed out that a new health policy was formulated in 2017, marking the first significant update since 1998.

“In the past, our focus was primarily on curative healthcare. However, in 2017, we shifted our perspective towards comprehensive healthcare. We recognized the necessity for preventive measures and early diagnosis. This led to the creation of a holistic health policy,” Nadda explained.

“The comprehensive health policy incorporates preventive, promotive, palliative, curative, and geriatric healthcare, with early detection being a crucial element. To enhance accessibility, we expanded our healthcare network and established 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs,” he continued.

Additionally, the Minister discussed how improving accessibility, along with an increase in the ASHA workforce, has resulted in more inclusive healthcare, significantly advancing maternal and child health.

According to the National Family Health Survey, India has achieved approximately 90 percent institutional deliveries, up from 79 percent previously.

He also noted the positive trends in the Maternal Mortality Ratio. The Sample Registration System (SRS) reported it at 130 per lakh childbirths, which has now decreased to 88 per lakh live births.

“This represents a reduction of 42 points, accomplished in merely a decade,” the Minister remarked.

He expressed pride in the fact that the Ayushman Bharat scheme has evolved into the world’s most extensive health coverage program, benefiting over 40 percent of the Indian population with coverage of up to 5 lakh rupees.

“This program provides health coverage for over 62 crore individuals, with Rs 5 lakh health insurance and now includes special provisions for those aged 70 and above...”

He also highlighted the significance of the Jan Aushadi scheme, which offers quality medications at affordable rates, along with the GST reductions on medicines and health insurance, among other initiatives.