Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda today asserted that the NDA government has brought a politics of performance, accountability, and last-mile delivery to the country. Briefing the media in New Delhi about the achievements of his Ministry, Mr Nadda stated that the government has made a significant decision to expand the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana by including all individuals aged 70 and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. He said this aims to benefit six crore senior citizens with five lakh rupees in free health insurance. Mr. Nadda informed that the expanded scheme will be implemented next month. He also mentioned another significant advancement, the U-WIN Portal, developed for the full digitization of vaccination services, providing complete vaccination records for pregnant women and children from birth to 17 years under the Universal Immunization Programme.

The Minister said that a shorter and more effective treatment regimen is now available under the National TB Elimination Programme, reducing treatment duration from 9 to 12 months to 6 months. He added that in the first phase, BHISHM Cubes will be installed in 25 AIIMS and Institutes of National Importance for quick deployment during disasters or health emergencies. These portable modular facilities are designed to provide lifesaving clinical care in such situations.

Mr. Nadda also mentioned that fifteen AIIMS and Institutes of National Importance have been identified for Drone Services, with drone trials and training completed in 12 institutes. He stated that an increase in medical colleges and MBBS and PG seats would enhance the availability of doctors in the healthcare system.

Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel and Prataprao Jadhav were present on the occasion, along with senior officials of the Ministry.