New Delhi: The government needs to take healthcare to doorsteps of people to make 'health for all' a reality, MoS for Ayush, Shripad Yesso Naik said on Wednesday."The health strategy of the government needs to take healthcare to the doorstep of the people. The skilled and trained manpower should form a critical component of this strategy," he said in a keynote address at the 11th India Health Summit organised by CII on the theme "Health for All: Call for Action".
The minister highlighted the initiatives of the Health Ministry in providing healthcare in the country, including achievements under the National Health Mission, Universal Immunization Programme for children, providing healthcare services for mother and child and addressing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension etc.
Naik stated that significant achievements have been made in addressing TB and Malaria, while there are concerted efforts being made to eliminate Filaria and Kala Azar. The minister said that efforts are being made to reduce the out of pocket expenses on healthcare by the common man in the country.
"The National Health Assurance Mission is a noteworthy step in this direction," he said.He further said that technology can be effectively used to bridge the geographical distance. Telemedicine is being used to address the constraints and challenges of the terrain in the country, he informed. The Health Summit is a timely opportunity to talk on the topic of "Health for All", the Minister said as he called upon all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to work towards this goal.
Lov Verma, Union Health Secretary highlighted the primary pillars of the National Health Assurance Mission which include preventive and promotive healthcare, provisioning of free essential drugs, diagnostics and healthcare services; and strengthening the tertiary tier. The key concerns in healthcare in the country are equity, affordability, accessibility and quality, he noted.
"While we are ahead on the global parameters in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), we are well on way to achieve the MDG milestone for Infant Mortality Rate and below-five mortality rates," he said. The summit will have panel discussions and presentations on topics such as economics of healthcare deliver, challenges of sustainability in quality healthcare delivery, real solutions in virtual healthcare and Swachh and Swastha Bharat: laying the foundation of a healthier India.
ALSO READ: Government Calendar Themed 'Clean India, Green India' Launched
Narendra Modi Is The Most Searched Personality On Google
Magazine : 
