Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6 addressing a post-Budget webinar on well being and medical analysis mentioned India is persistently making an attempt to make sure minimal dependence on overseas nations in healthcare.

He mentioned healthcare must be seen within the paradigm of pre and post-COVID period.

“The cashless health insurance scheme [Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana] has led to healthcare savings of nearly ₹80,000 crore for patients. Additionally, savings of ₹20,000 crore have been achieved through buying of generic medicines by patients from Jan Aushadhi Kendras,” he mentioned.

The Prime Minister added that the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure (PM-ABHIM) scheme goals to convey well being infrastructure nearer to the grassroots. “Upto 260 new medical colleges have been opened in the last few years. Seats for MBBS and PG have doubled since 2014. We are focussing on developing nursing medical colleges, up to 357 of these will be developed in vicinity of medical colleges,” Mr. Modi mentioned.

“E-sanjeevani teleconsultations have been remotely availed by ten crore patients to date. Pharma and medical devices sector in the last few years have seen the introduction of production-linked incentives which have seen investment of ₹30,000 crore by pharma companies for developing manufacturing capabilities.

“Liasioning with private sector and academia in pharma industry can lead to growth of the industry from ₹4 lakh crore to upto ₹10 lakh crore,” he added.

Stressing evidence-based medication, particularly for Ayurveda, Mr. Modi mentioned, “Evidence is very crucial for Ayurveda research.”

(With PTI inputs)