India is steadily building a holistic health ecosystem with a strong focus on preventive care, wellness and accessible healthcare, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday while addressing the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected office-bearers of the Indian Medical Association held in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel was also present at the event.
Speaking during the IMA’s centenary year, the Home Minister said that achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat depends on maintaining a healthy population and that doctors play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future. He underlined the need for a gradual transition in healthcare from a model centred on illness to one focused on wellness and prevention.
Highlighting changes in the health sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah said a range of initiatives have together laid the foundation for a people-centric healthcare system. These include the Swachhata Mission, Fit India Movement, Khelo India, International Yoga Day, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the ABHA digital health initiative, Mission Indradhanush, promotion of generic medicines, and the expansion of telemedicine and video counselling services. He noted that ₹1.65 lakh crore has been allocated to strengthen health infrastructure across the country.
The Home Minister also pointed to a significant rise in the national health budget, which has increased from ₹37,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1.28 lakh crore at present, resulting in visible and positive improvements in healthcare delivery. He acknowledged the medical fraternity’s dedicated service during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed confidence that doctors would continue to raise public awareness about the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the use of affordable generic medicines.
Stressing the importance of adapting to changing times, Shah said that medical ethics must evolve alongside advances in healthcare. He urged institutions such as the Indian Medical Association to take the lead in redefining ethical standards and called on medical colleges to instil strong ethical values among future doctors. He also sought active cooperation from IMA members in expanding telemedicine and video counselling services to improve access to healthcare in underserved areas.
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