On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of healthcare initiatives and laid the foundation for projects valued at around ₹12,850 crores. These initiatives aim to enhance healthcare access, promote Ayurveda, and improve India’s healthcare infrastructure. Here’s everything you need to know about this historic event and what it means for India’s healthcare system.
1. Celebrating Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day
The Prime Minister’s address highlighted India’s ancient healing traditions, emphasizing how Ayurveda and Yoga represent a core wellness philosophy. Shri Modi shared his happiness that Ayurveda Day is celebrated in over 150 countries, reflecting the growing global interest in India’s ancient health practices.
2. Strengthening the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for Seniors
Expanding the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM Modi introduced a new scheme offering free hospital treatment for all citizens over 70. Seniors can access this service with the Ayushman Vaya Vandana card, which covers hospital costs regardless of income, ensuring elderly citizens receive healthcare without financial burden.
3. Healthcare Infrastructure Development: ESIC and AIIMS Expansions
The Prime Minister inaugurated multiple projects, including new ESIC hospitals in states like Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. ESIC hospitals will provide quality healthcare to workers across India, benefiting over 55 lakh beneficiaries. Additionally, he expanded services in various AIIMS locations and inaugurated the second phase of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, combining traditional and modern healthcare approaches.
4. Affordable Healthcare Through Jan Aushadhi Kendras
PM Modi launched more than 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras to make healthcare affordable, where medicines are available at up to 80% discounts. He shared that this initiative has saved the public nearly ₹30,000 crores and made essential medications accessible to more people.
5. Pioneering Technological Advancements in Healthcare
Leveraging technology, the government introduced the U-WIN platform to support timely vaccinations for women and children and the e-Sanjeevani platform for online consultations, which has already benefited over 30 crore citizens. Additionally, drone services were launched in AIIMS locations for efficient healthcare delivery.
6. Advancing Ayurveda with Centers of Excellence and Research
Ayurveda continues to play a significant role in India’s health policy, with the government establishing new research centers across India. Four Centers of Excellence in Ayurveda will focus on diabetes, Ayurveda and Systems Medicine, and advanced technological solutions for sustainable Ayush.
7. Boosting Medical Education and New Medical Colleges
PM Modi emphasized the importance of increasing medical seats, with nearly 1 lakh MBBS and MD seats added over the last decade. By laying the foundation for new medical colleges, the government aims to fulfill students’ dreams of becoming doctors without the need to study abroad.
8. Promoting Wellness Tourism and Ayurvedic Startups
With wellness tourism on the rise, the government is expanding Ayurvedic and wellness facilities across India. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown eightfold in the past decade, leading to a $24 billion industry. Today, over 900 AYUSH startups are creating job opportunities, especially for the youth.
9. Support for Local Herbs and Farmers
The government is investing in high-impact scientific research to validate the benefits of traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper. This validation will help create a global market for Indian herbs and benefit local farmers by turning traditional superfoods into high-value exports.
10. Climate Change and Health Initiatives
Recognizing the impact of climate change on health, PM Modi launched a State-specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Health. This initiative aims to build climate-resilient healthcare systems across India and promote natural farming along the river Ganga through the Namami Gange project.
Conclusion
These healthcare initiatives and investments are designed to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and holistic for all citizens. The focus on Ayurveda, digital health platforms, and affordable medications reflects India’s commitment to building a robust, inclusive healthcare system. With this, PM Modi envisions a healthier, more resilient India where wellness is prioritized, and healthcare is accessible to all.
This new chapter in India’s healthcare journey promises to benefit not just the people of India but also serve as a model for the world, combining modern technology with ancient wisdom for a healthier tomorrow.
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