JOIN USBudget for healthcare sector doubled to Rs 2 lakh crore: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the contribution of doctors in saving lives in the fight against Covid-19, saying they did not hesitate in sacrificing their own life in serving humanity.
He also said the government had turned its focus on strengthening healthcare and doubled the health budget to more than Rs two lakh crore.
“It is not without reason that doctors are referred to as another form of god. Today, when the country is waging a war against Covid-19, doctors have worked night and day and saved lakhs of lives,” Modi said addressing a Doctor’s Day function organised by the Indian Medical Association.
He said several doctors had sacrificed their lives while performing their virtuous duty.
The Prime Minister said that scientists and doctors have found solutions for all the challenges thrown by Corona.
“Our doctors are facing this new and fast mutating virus on the basis of their experience and expertise. Despite the limitations of long-neglected medical infrastructure and pressure of population, India’s per lakh population rate of infection and death rate is still manageable compared to even developed countries,” Modi said.
“New AIIMS, medical colleges are being established. Work has been initiated on 15 AIIMS as opposed to the total six AIIMS that existed in 2014. Number of Medical colleges have increased,” the prime minister said.
Now, the government has come up with a Credit Guarantee Scheme of Rs 50,000 crore to strengthen the health infrastructure in such areas where there is a lack of health facilities, Modi said.
“Our government is committed to safeguarding our doctors. Last year, we brought in several provisions against crimes against doctors,” he said, adding that the government was also providing free insurance cover to our Covid warriors.
Doctors' Day is observed in the honour of former West Bengal chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy, whose birth and death anniversaries fall on July 1
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