Modi calls for pvt sector participation to upgrade health infra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for private sector participation in creating a network of public health laboratories under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

While addressing a webinar on effective implementation of the budget provisions for the health sector, the PM said the Centre was looking at the public-private partnership model to upgrade India’s healthcare infrastructure. “There may also be a partnership on the National Digital Health Mission, (maintaining) digital health records of citizens and other cutting-edge technologies,” he added.

In the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, the government is focussing on every aspect of the healthcare sector, including medical equipment, medicines, ventilators, vaccines, scientific research, and surveillance infrastructure, besides doctors and epidemiologists to better prepare the country for future health disasters, the prime minister said.

Modi said under the PM Aatmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, a modern ecosystem will be developed ranging from research to testing and treatment. “The scheme will increase our capabilities in every spectrum,” he said.

“As per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, local bodies will get over ₹70,000 crore keeping health services in mind. That is, the government’s emphasis is not only on investment in healthcare but also to expand access to healthcare even in far-flung areas of the country.” Modi said the investments must not only improve the health of the people, but also provide employment opportunities.

There will be a huge influx of foreign students to study medicine in India and the demand for Indian doctors, nurses, para medical staff, medicines and vaccines will increase across the world, he said, adding that the government is focussing on improving the quality of health infrastructure and healthcare professionals.

Modi said that in the last six years, the government is attempting expansion of institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and increasing the number of medical colleges all over the country.

“The AYUSH infrastructure has also been of great help for the country for increasing immunity and scientific research. The world is experiencing the impact of traditional medicines and masalas in improving health along with the vaccine in controlling covid-19.”

He said though India has become the pharmacy of the world, it is still dependent on imports for raw materials.

“Such dependence does not augur well for our industry and this is a huge obstacle in providing affordable medicines and health care to the poor. For self-reliance, four schemes have been launched in the latest Union budget,” said Modi.