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On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched several health projects and initiatives worth over Rs 12,855 crore, aiming to bolster India's healthcare sector. The event, held at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), saw the participation of key ministers, including Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, and other senior officials. These projects, encompassing the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Ministry of Ayush, the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, and the Ministry of Labour & Employment, aim to enhance healthcare access, affordability, and modernization across the country.
PM Modi highlighted the growing global reach of Ayurveda, emphasizing that Ayurveda Day is now celebrated in over 150 countries. He outlined the government's commitment to advancing healthcare through five key pillars: preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, affordable treatment, robust medical infrastructure in smaller towns, and the seamless integration of technology. He commended the AIIA for its successful integration of traditional Ayurvedic practices, such as Panchakarma, with modern scientific advancements, enabling holistic care and advanced research.
Among the numerous projects announced, the expansion of AIIMS facilities in states like Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh stands out. Inauguration of new medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh, coupled with the establishment of nursing colleges and critical care blocks in various states, aims to strengthen medical infrastructure and enhance healthcare accessibility. The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which provides financial coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for hospital expenses for economically disadvantaged families. He emphasized that this scheme has benefitted over four crore individuals, alleviating their financial burdens and ensuring access to essential treatments.
To further expand the reach of healthcare benefits, PM Modi introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, providing free healthcare for citizens over 70, regardless of their income level. He also highlighted the role of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in promoting affordable healthcare by offering medicines at an 80% discount, saving Indians an estimated Rs 30,000 crore. The reduced costs of medical devices, such as stents and implants, which have saved citizens over Rs 80,000 crore, were also mentioned. Other initiatives like the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush, which protects mothers and newborns through immunisation against major diseases, were recognized for their contributions to public health.
One of the event's significant highlights was the launch of the U-WIN platform, a digital vaccination service designed to support pregnant women and children. This Made-in-India platform aims to ensure the timely administration of life-saving vaccines, benefiting over 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore children annually. The success of e-Sanjeevani, which has facilitated over 30 crore online consultations, making healthcare more accessible and affordable, was also praised. The Prime Minister launched drone services at 11 tertiary institutions, including AIIMS in states like Uttarakhand, Telangana, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, to improve emergency response and treatment in remote areas. He also introduced helicopter emergency services at AIIMS Rishikesh, covering nearby regions within 100 nautical miles, enhancing trauma care capabilities.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals announced five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to promote the production of high-end medical devices, implants, and essential drugs. PM Modi laid the foundation for four Centres of Excellence in cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, which will spearhead research in medical devices, phytopharmaceuticals, and drug discovery. Under the Ministry of Ayush, Phase II of the AIIA was launched, including a 150-bedded Panchakarma hospital and facilities for Ayurvedic sports medicine. New research institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy are planned for Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with four specialized centres focusing on areas like diabetes research and rheumatoid arthritis. A health awareness campaign, Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan, with nearly half a million volunteers, was also launched.
Prime Minister Modi concluded by expressing the government's commitment to expanding medical education, aiming to add nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats over the next five years. These initiatives underscore the government's commitment to strengthening India's healthcare infrastructure and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
Source: PM Modi unveils healthcare projects worth Rs 12,855 crore on Ayurveda Day