Mathura, March 20 President Droupadi Murmu said on Friday that a self-reliant India is only possible when its citizens are healthy.
Murmu was speaking at the inauguration of the Nand Kishor Somani Oncology Block of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram.
"An empowered and 'Aatma Nirbhar' Bharat is only possible when the citizens are healthy," she said.
"Today, cancer is one of the most serious health challenges. Early detection of the disease and high-level treatment can play a decisive role in saving the life of the patient. But, for some families, it seems that due to their economic circumstances, treatment of this disease seems impossible," she added.
Murmu, who is on a three-day visit to Uttar Pradesh, said that special emphasis is being placed on cancer prevention and treatment through awareness campaigns and timely diagnostic facilities.
She said that India is continuously striving to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, and the Centre is taking steps to bolster this with such "historic" schemes as Ayushman Bharat.
"Cancer treatment is also covered under the ambit of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, thereby benefiting poor and needy patients," Murmu said.
She said that across the country, new AIIMS and medical colleges are being established, making healthcare more accessible to people living in rural and remote areas.
She also praised telemedicine and e-health services, which allow consultation with expert doctors from home.
"Medical institutions driven by a spirit of service play a pivotal role in society. They do not merely treat diseases, but also instil hope, confidence, and respect in the lives of patients and their families," Murmu said.
The Ramakrishna Mission has demonstrated that the confluence of modern science and human compassion can accomplish remarkable work for the welfare of humanity, she said.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to this institution for this significant contribution. Today, we are not only inaugurating a building, but we are opening a new gateway of hope for all those patients who come here seeking high-quality medical care," the president added.