Health Care Infrastructure in the States needs to be strengthened

Central Chronicle News
Raipur, Feb 24: To discuss strategies for implementation of the major announcements in the Union Budget 2021 a webinar was organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on Tuesday. Public and private sector experts gave various suggestions for a self-reliant India in the Health Care sector. They have emphasized strengthening health care infrastructure in the country for accessibility of health services to everyone. While inaugurating the webinar, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that the Central Government is approaching the health sector in a holistic manner where we are focusing on wellness along with treatment through an integrated approach. The Prime Minister described various measures adopted by the Health Ministry to cure COVID-19 and to eliminate TB and Malaria by 2025 and 2030 respectively.
Experts from Public Health Care Institutions discussed various health schemes implemented by the government. It is informed that under Ayushman Bharat scheme Health and Wellness Centers will be increased from 60,000 to 1.50 lakh. Total 12 diagnostic services will be provided through them. The government has issued 13.79 crore e-card under the scheme. The ministry pointed out increasing cases in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh and added that more surveillance and testing can prevent the second wave of COVID-19 in these states. After attending the webinar Prof. (Dr.) Nitin M. Nagarkar, Director, AIIMS Raipur said that the deliberations will give the much-needed impetus to the implementations of the government health strategies at the ground level in the states. ‘Chhattisgarh needs an integrated approach for health care at the district level.
COVID-19 has allowed strengthening the health infrastructure in CG. We should continue to build up our infrastructure in the future as well to provide quality health care services at a very low cost to everyone. Public Institutions together with the Private sector can provide much-needed medicines, medical equipment, and medical education to every citizen at affordable cost’, he said. The webinar was also attended by Ms. Renu G. Pillay, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, CG.