New Delhi, November 11 (IANS). Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has crossed 10,000, which provide affordable generic medicines and sanitary products at extremely low prices.
He further said that such interventions have seen significant improvement in healthcare access for rural and economically weaker citizens.
Union Minister Goyal said at the 22nd CII Annual Health Summit that with several major steps taken by the Government of India such as reducing GST on health and life insurance from 18 percent to zero, reducing duty on medical devices, cancer care drugs and many essential medicines, India’s healthcare sector is getting many important benefits.
The Union Minister said that the collective efforts of the government, medical professionals and the healthcare industry will provide better service to Indians and make India a preferred global destination for medical treatment and wellness.
Explaining his point, he said, “In some parts of the world, the average age of the population is 47-50 years and it is increasing even higher. Can you imagine how big an opportunity this could be for us? There are many countries where medical treatment is provided as part of social welfare expenditure, but there is a very long waiting time, with even an appointment at a dentist taking up to 6 months. In comparison, maybe flying, getting treatment “Getting it done and getting it back sooner may prove to be easier, less expensive and better.”
Union Minister Goyal said, “In line with the vision of PM Modi, good health is the foundation of a prosperous society. As the country is fast moving on the path of becoming a developed India by 2047, doctors and the entire medical ecosystem will play an important role in building a healthy and productive nation.”
–IANS
SKT/
