In a significant move aimed at bolstering India’s healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality medical services, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched development projects worth nearly ₹12,850 crore. The day marked a multi-faceted initiative encompassing the expansion of the government’s flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat, inauguration of new medical facilities, and the launch of cutting-edge technology-driven healthcare solutions.
The prime minister chose the auspicious occasion of the ninth Ayurveda Day and the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, revered as the god of medicine, to unveil a comprehensive healthcare push. In a landmark announcement, Modi extended the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This expansion will provide vital health coverage to a large segment of the population, ensuring that they have access to essential medical care without financial burdens.
Beyond the Ayushman Bharat expansion, Modi inaugurated Phase II of India’s first All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. This state-of-the-art facility boasts a Panchakarma hospital, an ayurvedic pharmacy, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-ups incubation centre, and a 500-seat auditorium, among other amenities. The AIIA’s expansion underscores the government’s commitment to promoting traditional Indian medicine and integrating it into the modern healthcare system.
Furthering the government’s focus on strengthening medical education and training, Modi inaugurated three new medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh – Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni. This expansion will not only increase the number of qualified medical professionals in the state but also contribute to the development of healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.
In a move to enhance healthcare accessibility across India, Modi inaugurated facility and service extensions at various AIIMS institutions, including those in Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal), Patna (Bihar), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam), and New Delhi. These extensions will include a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, providing affordable generic medicines to patients.
To address the growing need for skilled nursing personnel, the prime minister laid the foundation stones of five nursing colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh, and Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, he inaugurated 21 critical care blocks across Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), further bolstering the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
In a demonstration of the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved healthcare delivery, Modi launched drone services at 11 tertiary healthcare institutions, including AIIMS Rishikesh, Bibinagar, Guwahati, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Bilaspur, Raebareli, Raipur, Mangalagiri, and RIMS Imphal. This initiative will enable the rapid and efficient transportation of medical supplies and samples, improving healthcare accessibility in remote areas. He also launched a helicopter emergency medical service from AIIMS Rishikesh, ensuring swift medical care in critical situations.
Modi further launched the U-WIN portal, a digital platform aimed at streamlining the vaccination process for pregnant women and infants, ensuring that they receive timely and complete immunizations. The portal will enhance the efficiency of the vaccination program and contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes.
In a major boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the healthcare sector, the prime minister inaugurated five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi (Gujarat), Hyderabad (Telangana), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh). These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with essential bulk drugs, fostering domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
The prime minister’s comprehensive healthcare push demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of all citizens. These initiatives, encompassing the expansion of insurance schemes, the development of medical infrastructure, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology, are expected to significantly enhance healthcare access and affordability across India.