Daijiworld Media Network - Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad, Oct 26: Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that India can be strong only when every citizen is healthy, highlighting major strides in the nation’s healthcare system under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Speaking at the inauguration of a hospital in Ghaziabad, Singh said, “We are moving towards the India our ancestors dreamed of: a strong and healthy India. Every step, every policy, every effort is dedicated to the poor, deprived, and rural people of the country.”

He added that achieving India as a developed nation by 2047 requires the good health of all citizens, stressing that the government has worked to ensure no poor individual loses hope due to illness.

Key initiatives highlighted by the defence minister include:

• Ayushman Bharat scheme: Provides health insurance cover of Rs 5 lac per year to 10 crore families, now extended to all senior citizens above 70 years.

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Supply affordable generic medicines to villagers across India.

• Medical education expansion: Number of medical colleges increased from 387 in 2014 to 800, and MBBS seats have grown from 50,000 to over 120,000.

• AIIMS expansion: 22 new AIIMS announced, with 12 fully operational and construction of the remaining ongoing.

Singh emphasized that all government decisions aim to benefit the poor, deprived, and rural populations and called for citizens’ support in achieving the Developed India@2047 vision.