Modi Government’s Holistic Healthcare Push: Amit Shah Highlights 11-Year Transformation

Image Source : The Economic Times

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lauded the Narendra Modi-led government for adopting a comprehensive and preventive approach to public health, citing a series of structural reforms and welfare schemes that have reshaped India’s healthcare landscape over the past decade. Speaking at the inauguration of Adichunchanagiri University’s Bengaluru campus, Shah emphasized that the government’s vision extends from prenatal care to affordable treatment for all citizens.

Key Highlights from Amit Shah’s Address

- Over 60 crore economically weaker citizens now receive free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme
- The government has built toilets in nearly 12 crore households, improving sanitation and reducing disease burden
- Initiatives like the Fit India Movement, International Yoga Day, Mission Indradhanush, and Poshan Abhiyaan have promoted preventive healthcare
- The Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has expanded access to affordable generic medicines across the country

Expansion of Medical Infrastructure

- The number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has increased from 7 in 2014 to 23 in 2025
- Medical colleges have nearly doubled from 387 to 780 during the same period
- MBBS seats have grown from 51,000 to 1,18,000, while postgraduate seats have risen from 31,000 to 74,000
- These expansions are expected to produce over 1.9 lakh new doctors annually, addressing India’s doctor-to-patient ratio

A Preventive and Inclusive Vision

- Shah noted that the government’s approach ensures healthcare begins from the womb and continues through every stage of life
- The focus is not only on curative care but also on reducing the likelihood of illness through lifestyle interventions and early immunization
- The holistic model aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and improve health outcomes, especially among rural and underserved populations

Future Outlook

The Modi government’s health strategy reflects a shift from reactive to proactive care, integrating infrastructure, affordability, and awareness. As India prepares for future public health challenges, this model of inclusive and preventive healthcare is expected to serve as a foundation for long-term resilience and equity.

Sources: Economic Times, PTI, The Daily Pioneer, Devdiscourse, MSN India.