Prime Minister Launches Groundbreaking Health Projects on Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day

To mark Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will introduce, inaugurate, and lay foundations for various health sector projects valued at over Rs 12,850 crore on October 29 at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, expanding digital healthcare access, and integrating traditional medicine with modern technologies to benefit people nationwide. The launch will include advancements in the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY program, boosting coverage for senior citizens and promoting Make in India healthcare projects.

A significant expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) will be announced, offering comprehensive health coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above, independent of income. This expansion strengthens support for senior citizens by providing financial security for medical needs.

Health Infrastructure and Digital Innovation

In a drive to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate several new medical facilities, including the second phase of India’s first All India Institute of Ayurveda. This facility will feature a Panchakarma hospital, Ayurvedic pharmacy, sports medicine unit, and startup incubation center, creating a multifaceted approach to healthcare. Additionally, three new medical colleges in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, will also be launched, alongside healthcare facility upgrades at multiple AIIMS campuses, including Bilaspur, Kalyani, Patna, Gorakhpur, Bhopal, Guwahati, and New Delhi.

The Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones for nursing colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh, and Mandsaur, all in Madhya Pradesh, along with 21 critical care units across Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). These additions will help expand access to quality healthcare for underserved populations.

In an innovative move, the Prime Minister will launch drone services to improve medical accessibility across 11 tertiary healthcare institutions, including AIIMS facilities in Rishikesh, Bibinagar, Guwahati, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, and Bilaspur. AIIMS Rishikesh will also be the hub for a new helicopter-based emergency medical service to further expedite urgent healthcare delivery.

Digital Initiatives to Streamline Care

To enhance digital health solutions, PM Modi will launch the U-WIN portal, which digitalizes the vaccination process, benefiting pregnant women and infants. This centralized portal will monitor vaccine administration from birth to age 16, safeguarding against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. "U-WIN will ensure every child has access to essential vaccines from birth, aiming to make India a safer place for future generations," said Modi.

He will also unveil a digital platform for allied healthcare professionals and institutions, a comprehensive database providing real-time information on healthcare professionals and facilities.

The Prime Minister’s ongoing dedication to technological integration in healthcare has led to several research-focused projects. These include a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and new Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy in Khordha, Odisha, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The initiatives also feature four Centres of Excellence at various locations, which focus on medical devices, bulk drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, and antibacterial and antiviral research, supporting India’s healthcare R&D efforts.

Boosting Indigenous Manufacturing in Healthcare

Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Make in India in healthcare will also see the launch of five Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme projects for manufacturing essential medical devices and bulk drugs across Vapi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kakinada, and Nalagarh. These PLI projects are set to produce critical healthcare items, from body implants to advanced care equipment, minimizing dependency on imports.

Additionally, PM Modi will introduce a nationwide campaign, “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” to increase public health awareness. Complementing this, each state and Union Territory will receive a specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health, outlining adaptation strategies for climate-resilient healthcare.

The day’s events not only commemorate India’s heritage in Ayurveda but mark a milestone in the nation's journey toward more accessible, technologically advanced, and environmentally aware healthcare services.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)