Prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday claimed that for several decades after Independence, there was a lack of an integrated approach and long term vision in the health sector.
"For several decades after Independence, there was a lack of an integrated approach and a long-term vision in health. We have not kept healthcare restricted only to the health ministry, but have emphasised on the whole of the government approach," he said while addressing a webinar on "Health and Medical Research".
It has been the endeavour of the Centre, to make medical treatment affordable in India, the Prime Minister added.
"That has been the thought behind providing free medical treatment of upto Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Under this, approximately Rs 80,000 crore, that would've been spent on medical treatments, were saved," he said further.
For serious diseases, quality and modern health infrastructure in the country is important, the PM said.
Government's focus is also on ensuring that people get testing facilities near their homes and there are better facilities for first aid, he added.
For this, he said, 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres are being prepared in the country, the prime minister informed.
Referring to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Prime Minister said that it showed that when such a crisis occurs, even developed systems of prosperous nations collapse.
"World is now much more focussed on health. But India's approach is not restricted to healthcare, we're also working on ensuring wellness," he added.
"Corona also taught us that supply chain has become a very important matter. When the pandemic was at its peak, for some countries even life-saving things like medicines, vaccines, and medical devices had become weapons," the Prime Minister noted.
Reminding the audience that India helped many nations by providing vaccines to them, he said, "That's why we have kept a vision before the world - 'One Earth, One Health' - holistic healthcare for everyone."
First batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants reaches Punjab
A US military aircraft carrying the first batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants, with the highest number of 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat, reached Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday.
Tiwari, BJP leaders exercise franchise, urge Delhiites to cast votes
Delhi BJP leaders on Wednesday exercised their franchise for the Assembly elections and urged Delhiites to actively participate in the democratic process.
OpenAI to collaborate with India, Sam Altman hails PM Modi’s AI vision: Ashwini Vaishnaw
As the artificial intelligence (AI) race heats up globally, India has devised an exhaustive strategy to create a full AI stack and OpenAI is willing to collaborate with the country on this mission, Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday.
SP accuses cops of intimidating voters in UP's Milkipur bypolls; appeals to EC
The Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused Ayodhya police of intimidating voters during the Milkipur bypolls and made an appeal to the officials of the Election Commission (EC) to ensure fair play.
Confluence of faith, devotion, spirituality overwhelming: PM Modi on Maha Kumbh visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared pictures of his visit to the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, expressing that the devotion and spirituality of the event had deeply moved him.
Kejriwal casts his vote, urges Delhi voters to choose development
AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal cast his vote on Wednesday for the Delhi Assembly Elections.
Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka cast their votes for Delhi Assembly elections
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday cast their votes at Nirman Bhawan for the Delhi Assembly elections. They were accompanied by Congress candidate from the New Delhi Assembly constituency, Sandeep Dikshit.
Delhi misses Sheila Dikshit's tenure, say Cong leaders after casting their votes
Senior Congress leaders on Wednesday cast their votes for the Delhi Assembly elections and urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process.