Mumbai: News18 India, India's number one Hindi news channel, recently hosted an exclusive interview with Mansukh Mandaviya, India's minister of health and family welfare. During this interview, News18 India managing editor Kishore Ajwani delved into the remarkable achievements of the Ayushman Bharat program and India's steadfast commitment to public health and global solidarity.
To celebrate prime minister Narendra Modi's birthday, a groundbreaking initiative known as Ayushman Bhava is set to launch on a national scale. The campaign is scheduled to run from September 17th to October 2nd, and minister Mansukh Mandaviya has passionately called upon the nation's citizens to actively participate. He revealed that "Seva Pakhwada" will be celebrated during these 15 days, welcoming any Indian citizen, social organization, representative, or political party to partake in this noble endeavor.
The Ayushman Bharat program, a government-led healthcare initiative, has positively impacted an astonishing 600 million individuals, providing them with crucial healthcare benefits. In a significant step towards improving accessibility and user-friendliness, the government recently introduced an innovative mobile application, ensuring ease and convenience for beneficiaries.
One of the program's standout features is its widespread reach, with an impressive 240 million individuals already possessing Ayushman cards. Minister Mandaviya disclosed that these cards could now serve as a means for organ donation, streamlining the process and granting donors a certificate of their altruistic contribution.
Minister Mandaviya emphasised, "Ayushman Bharat is more than just a program; it is evolving into a monumental campaign." Prime Minister Modi's vision of offering free medical treatment up to 500,000 rupees has already transformed countless lives, and the upcoming Ayushman Villages initiative aims to further bolster healthcare accessibility.
Expressing his deep faith in the initiative, minister Mandaviya stated, "We are undertaking this campaign for the betterment of humanity," expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from citizens and NGOs eager to collaborate for the greater good.
"In our nation, health is not a business but a selfless service," underscored minister Mandaviya, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to serving its people.
When questioned about the healthcare sector, the minister stressed the importance of international medical cooperation, particularly in the ongoing pandemic era. He highlighted the pivotal role played by digital technology in managing citizens' health, with digital vaccine records contributing significantly to the efficient vaccination drive.
Regarding India's remarkable vaccine initiative during the COVID-19 crisis, minister Mandaviya pointed out that extensive vaccine research had been conducted, leading to India's global vaccine distribution efforts under the "vaccine maitri" mission. The world has recognized India's substantial contributions to global vaccination efforts, highlighting the nation's dedication to international solidarity.
In closing, minister Mansukh Mandaviya extended an invitation to all individuals to join hands with the Ayushman Bharat initiative, saying, "Come, be a part of our journey, support us, and help us scale new heights to ensure the success of the 'Ayushmaan Bhav' initiative."
