
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah has lauded the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) as the Modi government’s most transformative public welfare initiative. Speaking at the inauguration of two state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in Surat, Shri Shah emphasized the scheme’s unparalleled impact on India’s healthcare landscape, ensuring affordable and accessible medical services for millions of citizens.
Revolutionizing Healthcare Access
Shri Shah highlighted that under AB-PMJAY, nearly 60 crore citizens are eligible for free medical treatment worth up to ₹5 lakh annually. He noted that these efforts have liberated millions of families from the financial burden of healthcare expenses, which often lead to helplessness and despair.
He further commended the establishment of 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country, which have collectively recorded an impressive footfall of 317 crores. “This initiative ensures that no individual is denied critical healthcare due to financial constraints,” Shri Shah said.
Significant Boost to Healthcare Infrastructure
Inaugurating the Shri Babulal Roopchand Shah Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Shri Phoolchandbhai Jaikishandas Vakharia Sanatorium, Shri Shah announced that these new facilities will provide cutting-edge cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplants, and nuclear medicine. Constructed at a cost of ₹250 crore, the 110-bed hospital will particularly benefit low-income patients with Maa and Ayushman cards.
Surat: A Growing Healthcare Hub
Shri Shah praised Surat’s emergence as a healthcare hub, attributing this success to its robust infrastructure and cleanliness standards despite rapid population growth. He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated hospital would attract patients from across western India, eliminating the need to travel to cities like Mumbai or Ahmedabad for advanced cancer care.
Transformative Impact Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Shri Shah outlined the Modi government’s holistic approach to healthcare, which has resulted in a threefold increase in the healthcare budget from ₹37,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹98,000 crore today. The number of medical colleges has doubled from 387 in 2014 to 766, with annual MBBS graduates increasing from 51,000 to 1.15 lakh. Additionally, the establishment of 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras has ensured affordable medicines, saving citizens ₹25,000 crore.
Focus on Preventive Healthcare
Underlining the government’s focus on preventive healthcare, Shri Shah credited initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Fit India Movement, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Mission Indradhanush for improving public health outcomes. He highlighted the promotion of Ayurveda and yoga as integral to building a healthier nation.
Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat
In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Odisha on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement AB-PMJAY. This makes Odisha the 34th state to adopt the scheme, integrating it with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) to enhance healthcare accessibility for vulnerable groups.
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Future of Indian Healthcare
The inauguration event also showcased the Mahavir Health and Medical Relief Society’s contributions since 1978, including the establishment of multiple healthcare institutions. Shri Shah emphasized that these efforts reflect India’s commitment to creating a self-sufficient healthcare ecosystem.
As India progresses under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like Ayushman Bharat continue to redefine the healthcare sector, ensuring equitable access and fostering a healthier future for all citizens.
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