Health, well-being critical pillars of progress: President Murmu

New Delhi, Jan 28: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the government is focused on strengthening the public healthcare system and improving health outcomes for all citizens.
In her ceremonial address at the commencement of the Budget Session of Parliament, Murmu said, “Health and well-being are a critical pillar of human capital development and national progress. Ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services, particularly for the poor, vulnerable, and underserved sections of society, remains a priority.”
The President said over 11 crore hospital treatments have been provided under the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana since its inception. “In the last year alone, around 2.5 crore poor and vulnerable citizens availed free medical treatment under government health schemes,” she added.
On healthcare for senior citizens, Murmu said, “Nearly 1 crore Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards have been issued over the past one and a half years, enabling approximately 8 lakh senior and elderly citizens to receive free healthcare services.”
She noted that primary healthcare infrastructure has been strengthened with “1.80 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs operational nationwide, ensuring last-mile delivery of comprehensive primary healthcare services, particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas.”
The President referred to targeted public health initiatives, saying, “Under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, over 6.5 crore people have been screened, particularly in remote, rural and tribal regions, enabling early detection and effective prevention of the disease.”
She further said that sustained efforts have resulted in “effective control of Japanese Encephalitis and related illnesses, especially in endemic districts of Uttar Pradesh”.
On healthcare development in the Northeast, Murmu said, “The establishment of the State Cancer Institute in Itanagar, a Medical College in Shivsagar, Assam, a Medical College in Sichey, Sikkim, and a Women and Children’s Hospital in Agartala will greatly support the treatment of millions of families and contribute to a strong and comprehensive health infrastructure in the region.”
She highlighted women’s health initiatives, stating, “Under the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ campaign conducted in September, approximately 7 crore women received health check-ups, facilitating timely medical care for women across the country.”
The President added, “The World Health Organization has declared India a Trachoma-free country, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s public health journey and reflecting global recognition of India’s sustained efforts to eliminate preventable diseases.”
Murmu said the government remains committed to “further strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding coverage under flagship health schemes, and continuing citizen-centric reforms aimed at building a resilient, inclusive and future-ready healthcare system for the country.” (KNO)