Centre working holistically in healthcare, says Health Minister Mandaviya

New Delhi, May 9: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday stated the Centre is working holistically in the health sector with a focus on preventive healthcare. Addressing the crowd at the inauguration of the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD) block at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), the Health Minister said, "Whose responsibility it is to ensure health facilities for the people? State Governments, Central Government and Health workers force... We are all stakeholders... It is the demand of time to make health accessible and affordable." The Union minister further added that Jan Bhagidari is very important for the implementation of any action plan, programme, or scheme made by the Government of India. "We need to make the health accessible, affordable and patient-friendly. The patient only comes for treatment in the hospital, not to fight. We should always keep in heart the feeling of the nation first. We should think that as a student, how can I serve my country. Our ways can be different, but, our goal is the same - Nation First. If we will work with this vision, this new OPD/IPD building will be worshipped like a temple," he said. Also Read | Sri Lanka: LPG shortage deepens; no cooking gas for domestic users Mandaviya stated that the country has moved away from a token to a total approach. "Today, under the leadership of our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the goal of the Central Government is to work holistically in the health sector and also to emphasise on preventive caregiving priority to modern treatment facilities. Along with reducing the cost of treatment of the poor, efforts are also being made to increase the number of doctors rapidly," he added. The Health Minister stated that the country must work collaboratively with a vision of how India's health infrastructure will look after 100 years of independence. "We need to think holistically and make the roadmap for the long-term. This year, when we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, we need to work together with a vision of how India's Health Infrastructure will be when we will complete 100 years of independence," Mandaviya added. Also Read | Elon Musk's 'If I die under mysterious circumstances...' tweet creates buzz; know details -PTC News