COVID-19 has taught us that global development is not possible without a human-centric approach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday.
Singling out the exemplary contributions of health workers, especially anganwadi and ASHA workers, Mr. Modi lauded their dedication and persistent efforts in achieving the milestone of over 200 crore COVID vaccine doses. Nurses, doctors and others had also played a role in changing the fortunes of the country, he said. “Helping the world during and after COVID has established India as a friend to the world,” he added.
Fifty nurses, along with their family members from across the country, were invited as special guests to witness and participate in the Independence Day celebrations. They were among 1,800 special guests from various walks of life ranging from sarpanches and teachers to farmers and fishermen.
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Health coverage
Highlighting the vision of ‘One Earth, One Health and One Future’, the PM said that Jan Aushadhi Kendras have given new strength to the middle class of the country by offering cumulative savings to the tune of ₹20,000 crore. Promising to expand the network from the current 10,000 kendras, he set a growth target of 25,000 in the coming days.
Noting efforts to provide universal health coverage, Mr. Modi said that the government has invested ₹70,000 crore in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides annual health insurance worth ₹5 lakh to families living below the poverty line.
