Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the inaugural session of CII Asia Health 2021 summit today. The theme of the summit is ‘Transforming Healthcare for a better tomorrow’.

Speaking at the event, the Union Health Minister said that it is due to the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Health has been linked with development in India. He stated that earlier health meant only treatment but development has now been linked to health, which will bring health and prosperity in the country. Emphasizing that Preventive care is an essential component of the health sector, he said that initiatives like Khelo India, Yoga etc play a vital role in realising the aim of a healthy society.

The Union Minister exhorted that the Government is committed  to Access, Affordability, Accountability, Adoption and Awareness for a better future of Healthcare sector and has been working diligently to achieve these objectives. He mentioned that the government has launched various schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana (health insurance scheme), Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) for generic medicines, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) and PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission etc to make healthcare accessible and affordable.

He added that the Government is focusing on the theme of ‘From Token to Total Health’. PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, which was launched on 25^th October 2021 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi is another such initiative in this regard. It will help in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of the country.

Highlighting the need to link technology and healthcare, the Union Minister mentioned that there is a need to adopt latest technologies like Nano and Robotic technologies in the Health sector. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is one such initiative that will utilize the digital ecosystem to further ease of living, he said.

Speaking on the importance of creating awareness, The Union Health Minister highlighted the successful initiatives taken by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase public awareness. He mentioned how campaigns like ‘Dawai bhi Kadai Bhi’ and ‘Do Gaj ki Doori, Mask hai Zaruri’ reached out to masses and helped curb the COVID-19 infection in the country. Similarly awareness plays a vital role in the successful implementation of campaigns like Tuberculosis (TB), AIDS etc, he said.

He further added that the Indian Health sector has immense investment opportunities. Urging the Private sector to invest in the Indian health care sector, he said that India has the potential to become a hub of International Health tourism. The Union Health Minister concluded by  highlighting that the Government is focused on the objective of ‘Health Society, Wealthy Nation’ and will work tirelessly to ensure the same in the country.

The event was also attended by Dr. Vinod K Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr. R.S. Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority along with the key officials of CII.

****

MV/AL

HFW/HFM CII ASIA Health 2021 Inauguration/28th October 2021