Forum to be developed soon for stakeholders to make health policy interventions: Nadda

There is no formal structure in the health sector as of now where interactions can be facilitated on policy matters, Union Health Minister J P Nadda today said, and asserted that a forum will be developed soon where stakeholders can join hands with the government for policy interventions.

He termed the government's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to provide a cover of Rs 5 lakh per year to 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families, a "bold decision".

"As far as health sector is concerned, we are of the opinion that there is no formal structure where we can have an interaction on policy matters. I take the responsibility and declare that very soon, I will come out with a forum where multiple stakeholders can join hands with the government on policy interventions," he told a delegation during a FICCI event.

On the Ayushman Bharat, touted to be the world's largest such scheme, he said, "You can understand it is our journey where we are trying to go for protection and is still developing a robust system. We understand that it will take time to stabilize, but that doesn't mean we don't go forward."