Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 23, 2021, addressed a webinar on effective implementation of Budget provisions in the Health sector through video conference. Addressing the webinar, the Prime Minister said the budget allocated to the health sector in this year’s budget is unprecedented and shows the Government’s commitment to provide better healthcare to every citizen. He recalled how the last year was very difficult and challenging owing to the pandemic and expressed happiness for overcoming the challenge and saving many lives. He credited the achievement to the combined efforts of the government and private sector.
The Prime Minister recalled how, within a few months, the country could set up a network of 2,500 labs and how it could reach a milestone of 21 crore tests from a mere dozen tests. He said Corona taught us a lesson that we not only have to fight the epidemic today but also to prepare the country for any such situation in future, according to a PIB release. He said we have to focus on everything from medical equipment to medicine, from ventilators to vaccine, from scientific research to surveillance infrastructure, from doctors to epidemiologists so that the country is better prepared for any health disaster in future.
This is the inspiration behind the PM Aatma Nirbhar Swasth Bharat Scheme. Under this scheme, it has been decided that a modern ecosystem would be developed from research to testing and treatment in the country itself. He said as per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, local bodies will get more than Rs 70,000 crore keeping health services in mind.
PM Modi said the world now clearly appreciates the strength and resilience shown by India’s Health Sector owing to its demonstration of its experience and talent during the Corona Pandemic. He said the World’s attention would definitely shift towards India’s Medical Education System and there would be a huge influx of foreign students to study medicine in India. He said we have to work faster after the great feat we achieved in manufacturing ventilators and equipment during the pandemic as there is an increased international demand for them.
He said the Government is working with a four pronged strategy towards a healthy India. The first is “Prevention of illness and Promotion of Wellness”. Measures such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, yoga, timely care and treatment of pregnant women and children are part of it. The second is to “provide cheap and effective treatment to the poorest of the poor”. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan AushadhiKendras are working towards the same. The third is to “increase the quality of health infrastructure and health care professionals”. For the last 6 years, Expansion of institutions like AIIMS and increasing the number of medical colleges all over the country are attempting this. The fourth is to “work on mission mode to overcome obstacles”. Mission Indradhanush has been extended to the tribal and far-flung areas of the country.
He said India has advanced its target to eradicate TB by five years to 2025 from the World’s target of 2030. The PM said the protocols adopted in preventing Coronavirus can also be similarly adopted for preventing TB as the disease spreads through droplets of the infected people. Wearing masks and early diagnosis and treatment are also important in prevention of TB, he added.
The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the AYUSH sector during the Corona period. He said the world is experiencing the impact of traditionals medicine and masalas in improving the health along with the vaccine in controlling the COVID-19. He announced that WHO is going to establish a Global Center of Traditional Medicine in India.
He said that though India has become the pharmacy of the world today but is still dependent on imports for the raw materials. He lamented that such dependence does not augur well for our industry and this is a huge obstacle in providing affordable medicine and health care to the poor.
The PM announced that for self-reliance four schemes have been launched in the latest Union Budget. Under this, Production Linked Incentives are given for production of medicine and medical equipment in the country. Likewise mega parks for Medicine and Medical devices are being set up. He said tthe private sector can support PPP models in creating a network of public health laboratories as well as a stake in PMJAY.