Mumbai, February 24 (IANS). President Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday launched the nationwide campaign ‘Save Lives and Create a Healthy India’ launched by PD Hinduja Hospital at Lok Bhawan in Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the health of citizens is a collective responsibility and all stakeholders must come together to ensure that even the poorest of the poor have access to timely and appropriate medical care.
The President appreciated the efforts of the Government of India in the health sector in the last ten years. He said that Ayushman Bharat Yojana is the world’s largest health insurance scheme, under which about 12 crore families get hospitalization cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per year. More than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are providing health services across the country.
Programs like Mission Indradhanush, TB Free India Campaign and Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission are making significant contributions in the prevention of diseases. Increasing the number of MBBS and postgraduate seats and setting up new AIIMS and medical colleges have improved the availability of doctors and paramedical staff.
The President stressed the importance of emergency medical services. He said that most of the lives can be saved with timely proper medical intervention. Under the Prime Minister’s Relief Scheme, cash treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh is provided to accident victims. Ambulances, trauma centers as well as awareness campaigns are also helpful in saving lives. The ‘Save Lives and Create a Healthy India’ campaign is an important step in this direction.
Healthy citizens are the foundation of a strong nation. The President said that health care is an integral part of nation building. Our common mission should be to provide affordable and world-class health services to all. He discussed the role of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). IndiaAI Mission is promoting innovation in the health sector. The role of AI will increase further in the future, for which we should be prepared.
Describing India as a leading drug producing country, the President said that medicines made in the country are treating people all over the world. But for many medical equipment and critical medicines we are still dependent on imports, which places an economic burden on the common people. Make in India and PLI schemes are promoting indigenous production. He called upon the medical and business world to encourage research, innovation and startups.
Referring to the resolution of a developed India by 2047, the President said that healthy citizens are the basic requirement of this goal. Collective efforts will provide India with excellent healthcare services and the country will emerge as a global healthcare hub. Through this campaign, PD Hinduja Hospital has pledged to promote health awareness, emergency services and inclusive health care.
–IANS
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