The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Bengaluru): Recognizing the critical importance of health and well-being for the overall development of the nation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform India’s healthcare landscape under its “Modi ki Guarantee for Swastha Bharat” as part of its election manifesto.
Building on the significant progress made over the past decade, which saw the establishment of 15 new AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) across the country, the BJP pledges to further strengthen this network of premier medical institutions to ensure access to quality healthcare for all citizens, irrespective of their location or socio-economic status.
To address the shortage of qualified medical professionals, the manifesto promises to substantially increase the number of undergraduate and postgraduate seats in medical colleges, leveraging the expanded network of AIIMS and other government medical institutions. The party aims to create a robust pipeline of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to meet the growing healthcare needs of the population.
The BJP also pledges to further strengthen the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), which was launched to create a comprehensive network of primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities across the country. The party aims to upgrade district hospitals and other secondary healthcare centers under this mission, ensuring the availability of a wide range of medical services at the grassroots level.
Recognizing the success of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which has provided health insurance coverage to over 50 crore beneficiaries, the BJP promises to expand the scope and coverage of this scheme, making it more comprehensive and inclusive. The party aims to strengthen the network of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which serve as the first point of contact for beneficiaries seeking healthcare services under the scheme.
To make essential medicines more affordable and accessible, the manifesto promises to expand the network of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras, which provide quality generic drugs at subsidized prices. The BJP aims to ensure that every block in the country has at least one PMBJP Kendra, reducing the out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines for the common man.
The BJP also pledges to launch a National Emergency and Trauma Care Mission to create a network of state-of-the-art emergency care facilities across the country. The party aims to set up dedicated emergency rooms, trauma centers, and ambulance services, equipped with advanced medical equipment and trained healthcare professionals, to provide timely and effective care to patients in critical conditions.
Other key initiatives include the acceleration of disease elimination programs targeting tuberculosis, leprosy, and other communicable diseases; the strengthening of mental healthcare services through the expansion of tele-mental health initiatives; the augmentation of health human resources through increased training capacities; and the promotion of traditional Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Yoga for holistic well-being.