Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 21: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday reiterated the central government's commitment to providing affordable and quality healthcare to every citizen, particularly the poor, underscoring the Ayushman Bharat initiative as a cornerstone of this effort.
Speaking at an event in the national capital, Nadda emphasized that the Ayushman Bharat program, comprising Ayushman Arogya Mandir and AB PMJAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana), is the result of a deliberate and comprehensive strategy.
He highlighted the government's increased investment in healthcare, rising from 29 percent of the budget in 2014 to 48 percent currently, which has contributed to a reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for individuals.
Nadda pointed to the screening of communicable and non-communicable diseases at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the expansion of service packages as crucial steps in delivering preventive and promotive healthcare, addressing the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases.
"Health facilities are being encouraged to undertake self-assessment under the Indian Public Health Standards 2022 and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS)," Nadda stated, emphasizing the government's focus on quality improvement.
The Union Health Minister also stressed the importance of enhancing the capacity of health administrators for efficient decision-making, improving program implementation plans, strengthening ASHA and community health workers, and institutionalizing digital health interventions. He urged young officers to conduct impact surveys to assess the benefits of Health Ministry programs at the grassroots level.
Dr. V.K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, speaking at the event, highlighted the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which aims to ensure access to quality healthcare without financial hardship for all citizens. He emphasized that modern healthcare paradigms encompass not just curative treatment but also promotive, preventive, palliative, rehabilitative, and therapeutic care.
"As many as 90 percent of essential interventions for UHC can be delivered through primary healthcare systems," and "an estimated 75 percent of projected health gains under the SDGs can be achieved through primary healthcare system," Dr. Paul stated.
He underscored that countries with robust primary healthcare systems demonstrate higher life expectancy, better health outcomes, lower medication usage, and reduced overall medical costs. Dr. Paul also noted that the AB PMJAY has led to a 40 percent increase in hospitalization rates in India.