New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of AIIMS Rajkot through a video conference. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan were also present during this.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled the efforts of millions of doctors, health workers, scavengers, and other Corona warriors from the frontline, who constantly put their lives at stake to protect humanity. He also appreciated the efforts of scientists and all those people who provided food with full dedication to the poor in this difficult situation.
The Prime Minister said that this year has made us realize that, when India unites, it can effectively face the toughest crisis. He said that India is in a much better position as a result of effective steps and that India’s record of saving the victims of Corona is much better than other countries. Shri Modi said that all necessary preparations are being made regarding vaccination. He said that the ongoing efforts to bring vaccines produced in India to every corner of the country at a fast pace are in the final stages. The Prime Minister said that India’s readiness to run the world’s largest vaccination campaign is in full swing. He called upon us to move forward together to make the vaccination a success, saying that, just as we had tried very hard to stop the infection, organized efforts would have to be made for it.
Modi said that AIIMS Rajkot would promote health infrastructure and medical education and provide employment opportunities in Gujarat. He said that this would create about 5 thousand direct jobs and many indirect jobs. Praising Gujarat’s efforts in fighting the Kovid epidemic, the Prime Minister said that Gujarat has paved the way in fighting Kovid. He credited the strong medical infrastructure in Gujarat for effectively controlling the Corona challenge. He said that behind this success of Gujarat in the medical field, two decades of tireless effort, dedication, and determination.
Modi said that, even after so many decades of independence, only 6 AIIMS were made in the country. He said that, during the government of Atal Ji in 2003, steps were taken to establish 6 more new AIIMS. Mr. Modi said that, in the last 6 years, the work of building 10 new AIIMS has started and many have been inaugurated. He said that along with AIIMS, 20 super specialty hospitals are also being constructed.
The Prime Minister emphasized that before 2014, various aspects of our health sector were working towards many directions and perspectives. He said that since 2014 the health sector has functioned holistically and emphasis has been placed on preventive care, besides giving priority to modern treatment facilities. Shri Modi said that the government has provided cheap and inexpensive treatment for the poor and also stressed the rapid increase in the number of doctors.
The Prime Minister said that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, about 1.5 million health and wellness centers are being set up in remote areas and out of them about 50000 health and wellness centers have already started functioning. Of which about 5 thousand are in Gujarat alone. He said that through 3.5000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, about 3.5 lakh poor patients have been provided medicines at low cost. He listed the government’s initiatives to improve people’s health.
Modi said that, if 2020 was a year of health challenges, then 2021 is going to be a year of health solutions. The world will move towards health solutions with better awareness. He stressed that India will play a major role in health solutions, as it did its responsibility in meeting the challenges of 2020. The Prime Minister said that India’s contribution to solving the health problems of 2021 will be important for scaling solutions. Given the potential of Indian medical professionals and service motivation, India will provide smart and low-cost solutions to the world, with expertise such as a large-scale vaccination experience. Health startups are integrating health solutions and technology and making healthcare accessible. Shri Modi said that India is going to play an important role in both the future health and health sector.
Prime Minister Modi said that, as the diseases are going global, it is time to carry out coordinated global efforts for global health solutions. India has played this role as a global responsibility. He said that India has always proved its capabilities by adapting, developing, and expanding according to demand. India has walked with the world and has been taking part in collective efforts. The Prime Minister said that India is emerging as a nerve center of global health and in 2021 we need to further strengthen this role of India.