Daijiworld Media Network - Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, Dec 28: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday emphasized India’s efforts to build a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, focusing on preventive care, wellness, and accessible services for all. He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected office-bearers of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Ahmedabad, attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Addressing doctors on the IMA’s centenary year, Shah highlighted that achieving a Viksit Bharat requires a healthy population, and doctors play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future. “The focus of healthcare must gradually shift from illness to wellness,” he said.
Shah noted the transformation in India’s health sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing initiatives such as the Swachhata Mission, Fit India Movement, Khelo India, International Yoga Day, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, ABHA, Mission Indradhanush, promotion of generic medicines, telemedicine, and video counselling. He added that Rs 1.65 lac crore has been allocated to strengthen healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
Highlighting the rise in India’s health budget from Rs 37,000 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1.28 lac crore today, Shah praised the medical fraternity for their dedicated service during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed confidence that doctors would continue raising public awareness about Ayushman Bharat and affordable generic medicines.
Shah also stressed the importance of evolving medical ethics to match changing times. He called on institutions like the IMA to lead in redefining ethics and urged medical colleges to instill strong ethical values among future doctors. He sought active cooperation from IMA doctors in expanding telemedicine and video counselling services, especially to underserved populations.
Congratulating Dr Anil Nayak on becoming the new National President of the IMA, Shah expressed hope that under his leadership, the association would not only address doctors’ concerns but also strengthen India’s healthcare ecosystem.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted the growth of healthcare facilities, infrastructure, and adoption of advanced medical technologies, noting the rapid expansion of AIIMS institutions, medical colleges, and super-speciality hospitals across India.
The event also marked the release of the book 100 Steps for a Healthy Life and presentation of a world record certificate. IMA Chief Patron and former President Ketan Desai congratulated the association on its 100-year milestone and spoke about ongoing transformations in the healthcare sector.
Dr Anil J. Nayak, in his inaugural address as national president, thanked the medical fraternity and outlined the association’s expectations from the government. Over 5,000 doctors participated in the three-day national conference organized by the IMA, alongside senior members and office-bearers including Dr Dilip Bhanushali, Sarvari Dutta, Dr Piyush Jain, Dr Anil Patel, and Dr Mehul Shah.