President Droupadi Murmu called on the private sector, philanthropists, NGOs, and other stakeholders to join forces to build India as a healthcare destination and achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The President inaugurated the nationwide initiative titled ‘Saving Lives and Building a Healthier Bharat’ on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of P. D. Hinduja Hospital at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.
Addressing the gathering, the President emphasized the importance of health and highlighted various initiatives by the Government in this regard, including the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which 1.80 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country; Mission Indradhanush; TB Mukt Bharat; and the PM RAHAT scheme to ensure timely treatment for accident victims, among others. She stated that the number of seats in MBBS and medical colleges has been increased, and AIIMS and medical colleges are being established in various places. Noting the importance of emerging technology and AI in the medical care sector, she said that through the India AI Mission, the Government is encouraging the use of new advancements in the field.
The President stated that India is one of the leading countries in medicine manufacturing, but the country is still dependent on imports for medical equipment and crucial medicines, which puts a financial burden on citizens. Hence, she said, it is important to develop facilities to manufacture this equipment and these drugs in India itself. She urged people in the medical fraternity to focus on research and innovation in this field and contribute to Rashtra Nirman (nation building). She also highlighted that mental health is crucial and is often neglected.
Governor of Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat hailed the ‘Saving Lives and Building a Healthier Future’ initiative, stating that reaching remote villages and providing quality healthcare to those residing there is a pious endeavour. He asserted that working for the greater good of humanity is a tradition of India. He urged doctors and the medical fraternity to identify the fundamental reasons behind the rise in diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and pancreatic disorders, and highlighted the significance of a healthy diet, lifestyle and natural farming.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted various steps taken by the Government to ensure that patients receive healthcare facilities within five kilometres of their homes and asserted that the private sector and non-profit organisations can play a key role in this. He hailed P. D. Hinduja Hospital for its contribution to strengthening the healthcare system in the state, especially its research in drug-resistant tuberculosis, Type 1 diabetes and malnourished children in Palghar district.
Chairperson of Hinduja Hospital, A. P. Hinduja, stated that the true might of a nation lies not only in its GDP and infrastructure but also in how healthy its citizens and systems are. He explained the aim behind the establishment of the hospital and its journey over the last 75 years. He affirmed the hospital’s commitment to carrying forward this legacy while adapting to new technologies and evolving needs to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Maharashtra Ministers Prakash Abitkar, Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Jaykumar Rawal, Vidhan Parishad Chairperson Ram Shinde, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rahul Narvekar, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawade and others were present on the occasion.