In a significant step towards ensuring comprehensive healthcare access for all citizens, the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, virtually launched the Ayushman Bhav Campaign from Raj Bhavan, Gandhinagar, on September 13, 2023. The campaign’s central objective is to provide healthcare services to every individual and village across the nation, thereby achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage.
A Vision for a Healthy India
Addressing the occasion, President Murmu articulated the campaign’s vision, stating that the Ayushman Bhav Campaign aspires to leave no person or village behind when it comes to healthcare access. She emphasized that a healthy population is integral to India’s progress and prosperity. Achieving the goal of health for all requires a multi-ministerial approach and the collective cooperation of every citizen.
Praiseworthy Initiatives
The President commended several initiatives under the Ayushman Bhav Campaign, including the distribution of Ayushman cards to beneficiaries, health awareness meetings in villages focusing on hygiene and nutrition, organizing healthcare fairs (Ayushman Melas), and arranging regular visits by specialist doctors to Community Health Centers as part of the Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0 program. These steps are instrumental in extending healthcare services to the grassroots level.
Leveraging Technology for Healthcare
President Murmu acknowledged India’s progress in adopting new technologies and innovative approaches in various sectors. She highlighted the launch of the ‘Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’ in September 2021 as a notable milestone. The mission aims to digitize and streamline healthcare services, making them accessible to all citizens. The President expressed confidence that India would set an example of digital inclusion in healthcare, akin to its achievements in other sectors.
Seva Pakhwada Implementation
The Ayushman Bhav Campaign aligns with the ‘Seva Pakhwada,’ a two-week service-focused period, scheduled from September 17 to October 2, 2023. During this time, the campaign will intensify its efforts to ensure the widespread delivery of healthcare services, making them accessible to even the remotest villages and towns in India.
