Govt to formulate new health policy: Prez

A holistic healthcare system that is universally "accessible, affordable and effective" is the objective of the new government which will formulate a new health policy and roll out a National Health Assurance Mission to meet the goal, President Pranab Mukherjee today said.
AIIMS-like institutes will be established in every state in a phased manner, he said.
Addressing the first joint sitting of Parliament since Narendra Modi government assumed power, Mukherjee rolled out the roadmap of the BJP-led NDA regime and said it will promote Yoga and Ayush.
"Our country needs a holistic health care system that is universally accessible, affordable and effective. To achieve this objective, my government will formulate a new health policy and roll out a National Health Assurance Mission. It will promote Yoga and Ayush," he said.

To address the shortfall of healthcare professionals, Mukherjee said, health education and training will be transformed.
The President said, "We must not tolerate the indignity of homes without toilets and public spaces littered with garbage.
"For ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the nation a Swachh Bharat Mission will be launched. This will be our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary to be celebrated in the year 2019," he said.