Push for equitable healthcare access, time-bound project execution across sectors highlighted during 48th PRAGATI meeting.

In a strong push towards strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved regions, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on all states to expedite the development of health infrastructure, particularly in aspirational districts and remote, tribal, and border areas. The directive came during the 48th meeting of PRAGATI: The ICT-enabled multi-level governance platform designed to fast-track projects and resolve inter-agency bottlenecks, held at South Block on 25th June 2025.

Reviewing key projects under the Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the Prime Minister underscored the need for urgent and sustained efforts to bridge critical gaps in the public health ecosystem. He reiterated that equitable access to quality healthcare must be a non-negotiable priority, especially for the poor, marginalised, and geographically isolated populations.

Launched on February 1, 2021, PM-ABHIM carries an outlay of ₹64,180 crore over a six-year period (till FY 2025-26). The mission is designed to bolster the capacities of India’s health systems and institutions across all levels, from primary to tertiary, and to equip the country to effectively respond to ongoing and future pandemics and public health emergencies.

The Prime Minister described PM-ABHIM as a “golden opportunity” for states to upgrade their health infrastructure, especially at the block, district, and state levels. The scheme focuses on a systems-based approach to healthcare, emphasising the development of diagnostic facilities, critical care hospitals, integrated public health labs, and workforce training across India.

Beyond healthcare, the PRAGATI session also reviewed large-scale infrastructure projects in the Mines, Railways, and Water Resources sectors. Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of adhering to strict project timelines and avoiding cost escalations caused by delays. He urged both central and state-level officials to adopt a mission-mode approach focused on accountability and outcome-driven execution.

In addition, the Prime Minister reviewed self-reliance initiatives in the defence sector. Commending recent advancements, including the success of Operation Sindoor using indigenous technology, he encouraged broader adoption of innovation-led models to drive India’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) agenda in defence manufacturing and capability development.

For stakeholders in the healthcare and infrastructure space, the renewed focus on equitable health access, time-bound execution, and decentralised health capacity building presents a significant opportunity. From digital health solutions and medical equipment manufacturing to public-private partnerships in diagnostics and critical care services, the PM-ABHIM mission is poised to unlock collaborative ventures and scalable models of care.

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As the healthcare sector navigates the dual challenges of post-pandemic recovery and future readiness, the Centre’s clear mandate to the states signals an urgent pivot towards inclusive, tech-enabled, and resilient health systems across India.

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