In a major boost to the healthcare infrastructure in the country, the prime minister Narendra Modi will launch a slew of projects worth Rs 12,850 crore on Tuesday. The projects include extension of the free health cover – under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) – to all senior citizens above 70 years. This is going to benefit 60 million people across India.
The PM will also inaugurate five projects under the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs in five states. These units are expected to manufacture high-end medical devices such as body implants and critical care equipment along with important bulk drugs. Till September, PLI scheme for bulk drugs and medical devices have received investments worth Rs 4,025 crore and Rs 995 crore, respectively.
“PLI scheme for bulk drugs has reduced India’s dependence on the imports of key starting materials (KSMs). Some of the crucial KSMs which were earlier imported in large quantities are now being domestically produced. The new projects will further enhance our capabilities,” said Viranchi Shah, national president, Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA).
Besides, the PM will introduce drone services at 11 tertiary healthcare institutions, including 10 AIIMS across the country. “He will also launch helicopter emergency medical services from AIIMS Rishikesh, which will help deliver speedy medical care,” said the official statement.
As per the plan, PM Modi will open an ESIC hospital in Madhya Pradesh in addition to laying the foundation stone for ESIC hospitals at six different locations. These projects will bring healthcare benefits to around 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.
“PM will inaugurate phase II of India’s first All India Institute of Ayurveda. It includes a hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy for drug manufacturing, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-ups incubation centre,” the statement said.
