NEW DELHI: India  Prime minister Narendra Modi today, March 6 claimed that for several decades post Independence, there was a lack of an integrated approach and long-term vision in the health sector.

while addressing a webinar on "Health and Medical Research", he said,"For many decades after Independence, there was a lack of an integrated approach and a long-term vision in health. We have not kept healthcare restricted only to the health ministry, but have stressed the whole of the government approach. It has been the endeavor of the Central government to make medical treatment affordable in India, the Prime Minister said.

"That is the rationale behind the Ayushman Bharat Scheme's free medical care up to a maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakh. This saved almost Rs 80,000 crore that would have been used for medical treatments, "He said, adding that a good and contemporary health infrastructure is crucial for treating serious diseases in the nation. The government is concentrating on making sure that testing facilities are available close to people's houses and that first aid facilities are improved.

The prime minister stated that the nation is preparing 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres for this. "World is now much more focussed on health. But India's approach is not restricted to healthcare, we are also working on ensuring wellness," PM said. "Health is now a much bigger priority in the world. Yet, India's strategy goes beyond healthcare; in addition to focusing on wellbeing, " PM said.

"Corona also showed us how crucial supply chain management has grown to be. For certain nations during the height of the epidemic, even life-saving items like medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment had turned into weapons "Observed the prime minister.

Reminding the crowd that India helped many nations by offering vaccines to them, he said, "That is why we have kept a vision before the world - 'One Earth, One Health' - holistic healthcare for everyone."

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