The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, virtually inaugurated the “Regional Consultative Workshop on Research Priority for Providing Accessible and Affordable Healthcare for the Northeastern States of India.” This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a healthy and developed India, where quality healthcare is accessible and affordable to every citizen. The workshop was organized in collaboration between the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong; and the Indian Council of Medical Research – Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh.
During his address, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating the gap between rich and poor in accessing health facilities. The government’s policies and schemes aim to create a health model embodying the spirit of ‘Sarva Jan Hitay, Sarva Jan Sukhaay’ – for the welfare and happiness of all.
The Union Health Minister also highlighted the significant strides made in the development of the Northeast region over the past decade. Efforts have been concentrated on integrating the region into the nation’s mainstream through improved connectivity in health, roadways, railways, internet, waterways, and ropeways. The Northeast is now seen as India’s growth engine, with enhanced accessibility to healthcare. Major developments include the establishment of institutions like RIMS, RIPANS, NEIGRIHMS, and Assam AIIMS, and the opening of 23 new medical colleges.
Dr. Mandaviya informed that over 31 crore people have received Ayushman cards, providing free family treatment up to Rs 5 lakh annually. Additionally, 11,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer affordable medicines, and over 1.64 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established as health gatekeepers. The government’s efforts have significantly reduced out-of-pocket health expenses from 62.6% to 47.1%.
The event also marked the launch of a Master’s Program on Health Economics and Technology Assessment at the Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong. Dr. Mandaviya’s message was clear: the government is dedicated to making health technologies accessible, affordable, and equitable for all Indians.
The presence of Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, and other senior officials underscored the collaborative effort to enhance healthcare in Northeast India.