Modi to promote Health and hygiene
President Pranab Mukherjee in his speech outlined the policy initiatives of the Narendra Modi government on Monday and stressed the need for an accessible, affordable and effective healthcare system. The government will formulate a New Health Policy and roll out a National Health Assurance Mission.
Speaking about the new heath policy health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, "It has been 12 years since the last health policy was framed in 2002. It is time new age health considerations are weaved into it. I will soon undertake a comprehensive review of all health policies framed in the last 50 years and then sit down with experts to draft a new health policy."Environmental and occupational aspects of healthcare along with a revamp of the medical education sector are likely to be the cornerstones of the policy. There will be emphasis on tobacco control and some aspects of alcohol regulation, including through taxation, are also expected to feature.
The President said government will promote yoga and Ayush and also transform health education and training to opvercome shortage of 6.4 million allied health professionals. He further added that AIIMS-like institutes will be set up in every state in a phased manner. The Health ministry is already working on a plan to set up 10 more AIIMS-like institutes over and above the six set up during the previous UPA regime. These institutes will also provide undergraduate medical education for 100 students a year.
The government also plans to improve agri-infrastructure and agro-technology for the agriculture sector.
On the hygiene front, the focus will be on ensuring that every household has toilets and public spaces are not littered with garbage. As According to the 2011 Census, 53% households in the country don't have toilet facilities while the figure is much higher at 69.3% in rural areas.
The government announced 'Swachh Bharat Mission' to ensure hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary in 2019. The government will spend about Rs four crore to make the country open defecation free and to ensure drinking water supply at home.
