President Kovind stresses on spreading awareness on healthcare

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The President of India Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Anaemia, Thalassemia, and other Genetic Blood Disorders at the Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences in Karimnagar, Telangana, on December 22, 2018.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that our country has made significant strides in the field of healthcare. However, we still have a long way to go in evolving a holistic healthcare system, one which is uniformly affordable and accessible. Strengthening public hospitals, municipal hospitals, charitable hospitals and primary health and wellness clinics must receive priority. This apart, we need to spread awareness on healthcare issues especially in rural areas and among disadvantaged sections.

” I am happy to be here today in Karimnagar. Incidentally, this is my first visit to the city, which has a rich historical past, a vibrant present, and plans for a smart future. I am particularly pleased that my first visit here is linked to a very important and meaningful occasion. I congratulate Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences for setting up a dedicated Centre for Sickle Cell Anaemia, Thalassemia and Other Genetic Blood Disorders,” President Kovind said.

India has amongst the highest number of patients suffering from Sickle Cell Anaemia, Thalassemia and other genetic blood disorders, the President said. ” I am told that India has the largest number of children with Thalassemia major in the world. While around 1,50,000 children have Thalassemia major, there are millions of carriers who have the genetic trait for Thalassemia major,” he said.

” Our healthcare professionals, both from the private and public sector hospitals, have to work closely with voluntary organizations and NGOs in the community to combat these diseases effectively. To ensure timely blood transfusion for the needy patients, there is also a need to encourage a Blood Donation culture and dispel any misinformation associated with donating blood. Business houses, as part of their CSR initiatives, can also come forward to fund the treatment of patients,” President Kovind said, according to a PIB release.

” Our healthcare challenges are numerous and so are our achievements. The Ayushman Bharat initiative aims to ensure that nobody is deprived of healthcare due to lack of financial resources. Three months ago, on September 23, the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana, which provides health protection cover to poor and vulnerable families, was launched. I am happy to note that within the first 3 months itself, over 6 lakh persons needing secondary or tertiary care have been admitted to hospitals across the country and an amount of Rs 800 crore has been authorised for their treatment. No longer should a poor father have to sell his small home to treat his ailing daughter and no longer should a mother need to worry about funding her son’s treatment,” President Kovind added.