Centre vows to strengthen health infrastructure

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda Saturday said he would take along all states without any political biases to strengthen the country's health infrastructure.

"We need to think out of the box and work harder on ground," he told reporters here.

In his first visit to his home state after his induction into the union cabinet, Nadda said he would give equal treatment to every state.

"If the states take one step, I assure you the central governement would take 10 steps. But Himachal Pradesh would certainly get my special attention."

On being asked about the sudden exorbitant increase in prices of life-saving drugs, he said: "I just assume the charge. In the next 15-20 days, I will study the issue and then will meet the companies so that we can provide affordable treatment to every citizen of the country."

Regarding sterilisation surgeries in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur government-run medical camps that have so far claimed 13 lives, he said: "We intervened immediately and even the (state) government ordered an inquiry.

"The central government will provide all necessary assistance for the inquiry."

He said to work out a multi-dimensional approach with focus on preventive and curative aspects would be on his top priority in the health department.

Later, Nadda called on Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and discussed issues related to strengthening of health infrastructure in the state.

The chief minister honoured Nadda and congratulated him on assuming the charge of the union health minister.

He hoped that the issues relating to health sector would be accorded added attention, a state government statement said.