President Droupadi Murmu has launched India's ambitious Ayushman Bhava campaign, underscoring the crucial need to effectively deliver healthcare services to all citizens, including those in remote areas, to attain universal health coverage. The campaign aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to every village and town across India and was inaugurated virtually by President Murmu. She emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving multiple ministries and stakeholders to achieve this ambitious goal.
President Murmu stated, "No person should be left behind, and no village should be left behind, i.e., 100% of people can avail of health services. This goal will make our country successful in achieving the objective of universal health coverage in the true sense." She also highlighted the inspiration behind this initiative, drawn from Mahatma Gandhi's concept of Antyodaya, which focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged and marginalized individuals. This campaign aligns with the ideals of Antyodaya and aims to provide healthcare services to even the remotest villages.
President Murmu noted that during the G20 Summit, member nations had outlined a clear roadmap for the G20 2023 action plan to accelerate progress toward achieving the sustainable development goals.
She added, "The Government of India has set localized, sustainable development goals to achieve the UN's SDG 2030, with a significant focus on rural development." Incentives have been introduced for village panchayats that successfully implement health schemes, earning them the prestigious titles of Ayushman Gram Panchayat or Ayushman Urban Ward, signifying their commitment to equitable healthcare provision.
The Ayushman Bhava campaign was launched and will be implemented during Seva Pakhwada, starting from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday in September and continuing until October. President Murmu also highlighted the global recognition of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna as the world's largest health insurance scheme and India's achievements in the digital economy, connecting people, even in small villages, to digital services.
Regarding the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission launched in September 2021, President Murmu expressed her confidence that India will set a benchmark for digital inclusion in healthcare services, similar to its accomplishments in various other domains.
