Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, led the virtual inauguration of a “Regional Consultative Workshop on Research Priority for Providing Accessible and Affordable Healthcare for the Northeastern States of India.” Joining him were Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, the Minister of Health and Family Welfare for the Government of Meghalaya.
The workshop, organized by the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong; and Indian Council of Medical Research – Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh, aims to enhance healthcare accessibility in the Northeastern states.
“Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of creating a healthy, developed India where quality healthcare is accessible and affordable to all citizens. He highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure equitable access to healthcare without discrimination based on socio-economic status”.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reiterated the Union Government’s commitment to the development of the Northeast region, citing investments in infrastructure and healthcare institutions over the past decade. He noted the establishment of medical colleges and healthcare facilities in the region, emphasizing the Northeast’s emergence as a growth engine for India.
The Union Health Minister highlighted key initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and free dialysis services, aimed at reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improving access to treatment.
“Additionally, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the government’s plans to focus on Essential Health Technology, ensuring the availability and affordability of essential medical technologies in the future”.
