Modi pitches for health assurance for all at hospital launch

Makes strong case for preventive care; Uddhav skips function

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said health should be a one-point agenda for all political parties and the journey from health insurance to health assurance has to be achieved. Modi was speaking at the launch of the revamped HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in south Mumbai.

Modi emphasised the need for preventive health care and insisted that the consciousness and facilities that are required for that can be improved.  He said clean drinking water is important for sound health.  “The need of the hour is preventive health care to reduce the outbreak of diseases and boost the quality of health care in the country,” he said.

Modi said tele-medicine should be integrated for the benefit of people living far flung areas is extremely important. “If a 98-year-old city hospital can be revamped, Bharat can also be revamped. Poor face immense difficulties,” he noted.

The prime minister observed that medical science is evolving and its pace will increase in future. Modi also mentioned that India should produce its own medical equipment, as the cost of such equipment is only going to shoot up in future.

“I do not say no governments did anything. All governments did make efforts. Our efforts are to take India ahead and we have to work together,” he added.

Modi praised the Madhya Pradesh government's effort to start programme, encouraging children to wash their hands.

Uddhav skips Modi event
Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray skipped the inauguration of the newly renovated and expanded 90-year-old Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in south Mumbai by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources confirmed that Uddhav had invited for the function which was attended by who's who of the business community, Bollywood stars and leaders from different political parties. Uddhav had led a scathing attack against Modi and BJP for playing divisive politics during assembly poll campaign.

Shiv Sena MP Vinayak Raut informed that Modi's function was not political and no one cannot expect discussion on politics there.  He said Shiv Sena MPs will attend dinner organised by Modi on Sunday in New Delhi. However, he added that there has been no decision on Uddhav attending the same dinner.