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Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
When government cares, healthcare makes strides
India's healthcare system has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 11 years, driven by political will, enhanced funding, and a commitment to providing affordable, accessible, equitable and quality healthcare for all. It reflects the Modi government's focus on building a robust healthcare system, prioritising the well-being of every citizen. In 2014, India faced significant challenges, including gaps in infrastructure, trained human resources, availability of medicines and diagnostics, and service quality. Today, guided by a philosophy of comprehensive care focused on proactive well-being, there has been a dramatic shift. The National Health Mission (NHM) is the cornerstone of this revolution, strengthening health systems, reducing maternal and child mortality, combating diseases, and promoting universal access to quality healthcare. More than 1.77 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are bringing healthcare closer to communities, and platforms like eSanjeevani and TeleMANAS have democratised access to specialist care. Focused interventions under NHM have led to improvements in maternal and child health indicators. According to the UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group report, India has seen an 86 per cent decline in maternal mortality rate, nearly double the global average decline of 48 per cent. Infant mortality has declined by 73 per cent as against a global decline of 58 per cent. As the burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing, preventive care has also been a focus. Screening for oral, breast and cervical cancers is being provided at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. By May, nearly 28 crore were screened for hypertension, more than 27 crore for diabetes, and 27 crore for oral cancer. The Universal Immunisation Programme continues to be strengthened. Six new vaccines have been introduced since 2014, with 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women vaccinated under Mission Indradhanush. We have leveraged the latest technology to build the U-WIN portal to digitise vaccination services, recording 10.68 crore beneficiaries and administering 42.75 crore doses by May 2025. India was declared polio-free in 2014, eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015, and trachoma in 2024. Malaria cases and deaths dropped by over 80 per cent between 2015-2023. We reached the Kala Azar elimination target in 2023. TB incidence has reduced by 17.7 per cent and mortality by 21 per cent, as confirmed by the WHO Global TB Report 2024, the 'missing' TB cases have dropped from 15 lakh in 2015 to 1.2 lakh in 2024. Healthcare financing has also improved. Government health expenditure as a share of GDP has increased from 1.13 per cent to 1.84 per cent (2014-2022), while Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) dropped from 62.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent. The Free Drugs and Diagnostics Service Initiative has enhanced affordability and accessibility, with laboratory services available in 36 States/UTs, CT scans in 34 States, and tele-radiology in 12 States/UTs. The Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme has benefitted more than 28 lakh patients, saving Rs. 8,725 crores in OOPE. Emergency response systems like the National Ambulance Services (NAS) and Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) have extended services to remote areas. The Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) was launched in 2021. Key initiatives include the establishment of 18,802 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks, and 730 District Integrated Public Health Labs. The NHM has engaged 5.23 lakh additional health workers, including 1.18 lakh Community Health Officers (CHOs). Introduced in 2018, the CHO cadre bridges the gap between community-level health workers and medical officers. The last 11 years have laid a foundation for universal healthcare. The nation is poised to achieve its vision of accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all. The writer is Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Centre rolls out drive to immunise children in high-burden districts
Union ministry of health and family welfare rolled out a special drive to identify unvaccinated children in high-burden districts to expand the national immunisation coverage, people familiar with the matter said. Centre rolls out drive to immunise children in high-burden districts The drive, called zero dose implementation plan, will target 143 districts in 11 states with a high burden of children who have not received any immunisation dose so far, according to data. 'As part of this plan, special immunisation camps are being held to ensure all unvaccinated children are identified and vaccinated. The larger aim is to leave no children unvaccinated,' said a senior official, requesting anonymity. In a statement issued on Saturday, the health ministry said that the number of children who have not been immunised— wholly or partially— is steadily decreasing in India. 'India's percentage of zero-dose children to the total population has declined from 0.11% in 2023 to 0.06% in 2024, positioning it as a global exemplar in child health, as acknowledged by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation in its 2024 report,' read the health ministry statement. India's Universal Immunization Programme currently covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases and has seen significant expansion. Mission Indradhanush, intensified in 2017 in collaboration with state governments, has vaccinated 54.6 million children and 13.2 million pregnant women, according to government data. Through National Immunization Days and Sub-National Immunization Days, India has maintained polio-free status since 2014, said the health ministry. As per the UN-MMEIG 2000-2023 report, India's maternal mortality rate stands at 80 per 100,000 live births, reflecting an 86% decline relative to the global reduction of 48% since 1990. As per the UNIGME 2024 report, India achieved a 78% decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate surpassing the global reduction of 61% and 70% decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate compared to 54% globally during 1990 – 2023. 'India's antigen-wise immunisation coverage surpasses global averages across all antigens. India's consistent prioritization of the Universal Immunization Program reflects in its disease elimination milestones and focus on last-mile vaccine delivery,' read the statement. The Lancet published a paper on world's children who have missed vaccination on Tuesday. According to the paper, India has had the most number of unvaccinated children— 1.4 million— after Nigeria (2.5million), of the 15.7 million unvaccinated children globally in 2023. The paper said that at least half of the world's 15.7 million unvaccinated children in the same year were living in just eight countries, with 53% in sub-Saharan Africa and 13% in south Asia. The Democratic Republic of Congo (882,000), Ethiopia (782,000), Somalia (710,000), Sudan (627,000), Indonesia (538,000), and Brazil (452,000) were the other countries with high unvaccinated children load globally. In the south Asian region, India ranked number one with the highest number of zero-dose children in 2023, followed by Pakistan (419,000), Nepal (11,000), and Bangladesh (6,000). In response to the data, the health ministry noted, 'Any comparison with countries bearing a high burden of zero-dose children need to take into consideration India's substantial population size and robust immunisation coverage.'
India Gazette
20-06-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
"PM Modi has addressed health with a holistic view": Amit Shah
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 20 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed health with a holistic view by initiating various schemes. He added that the number of All India Institute of Medical Sciences in India increased from seven to 23 after Modi became Prime Minister. Shah said that the Centre constructed toilets in 12 crore houses, started the Fit India movement, and initiated Yoga Day, keeping in the holistic view of health. He also highlighted the health benefits of Poshan Abhiyan and the PM Janaushadhi Scheme. 'PM Modi has addressed health with a holistic view. The government constructed toilets in 12 crore houses, started the Fit India movement, initiated Yoga Day, and also introduced schemes like Mission Indradhanush for free vaccination. Poshan Abhiyan - for nutrition of mother and child, Ayushman Bharat - Rs 5 lakh health insurance scheme and PM Janaushadhi Scheme,' Shah said while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Bengaluru campus of Adichunchanagiri University. Speaking about the achievements of the PM Modi government in boosting the health infrastructure of the country, he said that medical colleges in the country are now 780, compared to 387 earlier, and MBBS seats have increased to 1,18,000 seats. ' In 2014, there were only seven AIIMS in the country against 23 AIIMS hospitals. Today, the number of medical colleges in the country is 780, compared to 387 earlier. MBBS seats have increased to 1,18,000 seats,' he said. The Union Home Minister also praised Adichunchanagiri Math for connecting 'many poor and middle-class families with spirituality and selfless action.' ' This Math has connected many poor and middle-class families with spirituality and selfless action,' he said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Karnataka's Bengaluru on Thursday evening, to a warm welcome from BJP leaders and supporters. During his visit, Shah also met senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa. Sharing a photo from their meeting on X, he wrote, 'Met senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri B S Yediyurappa in Bengaluru.' (ANI)
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Narendra Modi-led Centre adopting a holistic and inclusive approach in addressing public health issues: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (June 20, 2025) said the health sector in the country had seen a 'remarkable transformation' in the last 11 years with the Centre adopting a 'holistic and inclusive' approach in addressing public health issues. Speaking after inaugurating the Bengaluru campus of Adichunchanagiri University and BGS Medical College and Hospital in Bengaluru North Taluk, Mr. Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the health sector has significantly benefited the people, especially the marginalised and weaker sections of society. High cost of treatment 'The Prime Minister had said in Gujarat 26 years ago that the main challenge faced by the poor is illness and the high cost of treatment. The administration has to make healthcare accessible to the poor. I can say with pride today that after becoming the Prime Minister, Mr. Modi fulfilled this promise by providing 60 crore people from the poor and weaker sections of society with free medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme,' Mr. Shah said, adding that health has been addressed holistically. 'While toilets for 12 crore households have been built, the Fit India Movement was launched to inculcate a healthy lifestyle among people. Various other initiatives such as International Yoga Day, Mission Indradhanush to provide free vaccinations and Poshan Abhiyan to provide care for mothers and children were introduced. Through the promotion of generic medicines, people are now able to buy medicines at just 20% of their original cost at 15,000 outlets,' he said. The Union Minister pointed out that the number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have grown from seven in 2014 to 23 now and medical colleges from 387 to 780 in the country. MBBS seats have increased from 51,000 to 1.80 lakh, and postgraduate medical seats from 31,000 to 74,000. 'This means 1.18 lakh new MBBS doctors and 74,000 postgraduate doctors are graduating every year, compared to just 50,000 earlier,' he noted. State's medical education Karnataka's Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said the State has the highest number of Medical Education seats in the country. 'There are 70 medical colleges in the State, including 24 government colleges,' he said. 'Allowing private participation in Medical Education was a landmark decision. By establishing engineering colleges, we created an ecosystem that helped Bengaluru emerge as the IT capital. However, there is still a shortage of doctors. Around 24 lakh students appear for NEET each year, competing for only one lakh seats,' he said. 'India must promote the establishment of more medical colleges, and I have conveyed this to Mr. Amit Shah.' Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V. Somanna, Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Math apart from other politicians and seers were present.
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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
India's HPV vaccine rollout brings cervical cancer prevention closer
Let's be honest—most of us did not grow up hearing about HPV, let alone vaccines for it. So, what exactly is HPV? It stands for human papillomavirus—a highly common infection that, in some cases, can lead to cervical cancer. Sounds serious? It is. With early and universal vaccination and improved awareness, India is on the brink of a major public health milestone—one that could save thousands of lives annually. 'Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 related viruses, several of which are known to cause cancer, especially cervical cancer in women. HPV is extremely common and spreads primarily through sexual contact. While most infections are mild and clear up on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV types—particularly types 16 and 18—can lead to abnormal cell growth in the cervix, eventually resulting in cancer if untreated,' said Dr Tarjini Tiwari, MD, Sion Hospital, Mumbai. She is a part of an ongoing research on cervical cancer, its causes and prevention. Cervical cancer elimination: India's role in a global mission In 2020, the World Health Assembly set a target to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, aiming for an incidence rate of fewer than four per 100,000 women by 2030. One of the key goals is to fully vaccinate 90 per cent of girls with the HPV vaccine by age 15. India is among 194 countries that have committed to this global target. Although India has not yet introduced the HPV vaccine in its routine immunisation programme, the government is ramping up capacity-building for frontline workers. The national rollout, currently scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, will depend largely on the success of ongoing localised interventions. Dr Aabid Amin Bhat, medical director, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, told Business Standard, 'The government plans to deploy Cervavac, an indigenously developed quadrivalent HPV vaccine, making it affordable and accessible to all sections of society. This initiative will initially target girls aged 9 to 14, with vaccines expected to be delivered through schools and government health centres.' How states are leading HPV vaccination efforts 'Through Mission Indradhanush and the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), the government is integrating the HPV vaccine into the national schedule. States like Punjab, Sikkim, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have already launched school-based vaccination drives with high coverage, demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale rollout,' Dr Tiwari added. Why HPV vaccination is crucial for India Over 1.2 lakh new cervical cancer cases are reported in India each year One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India India accounts for nearly one-fifth of global cervical cancer deaths HPV vaccination can prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases 'The significance of the HPV vaccine cannot be overstated. Over 90 per cent of cervical cancer cases are linked to HPV infection, making vaccination one of the most effective ways to prevent this deadly disease,' said Dr Tiwari. She added, 'The vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, which is why it is recommended for girls and boys aged 9–14. Vaccinating boys is also important, as HPV causes cancers of the penis, anus and throat, and boys can spread the virus. The vaccine also protects against genital warts, offering broader health benefits.' Common challenges and persistent myths With an annual birth cohort of around 24 million, each year's delay in vaccine implementation results in approximately 12 million girls ageing out of eligibility. Of these, an estimated 160,000 may develop preventable cervical cancer in their lifetimes. 'Despite its proven benefits, HPV vaccine coverage in India remains low. Key barriers include high private-sector costs (₹2,000 to over ₹10,000 per dose), lack of awareness, vaccine safety misconceptions and limited rural access. Many families are unaware that the vaccine is safe, effective and life-saving,' said Dr Tiwari. Dr Dhivya Sharona, consultant – gynaecology, Rela Hospital, Chennai, added, 'A major misconception is that the vaccine promotes sexual promiscuity or interferes with fertility. While HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, it can also be contracted through partners. The vaccine is preventive and should be administered before the onset of sexual activity.' She stressed that parents should know the HPV vaccine is not linked to promoting early sexual behaviour. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness or mild fever. HPV vaccine cost: public vs private access Gardasil 4 by Merck Sharpe & Dohme (₹4,000 per dose) Gardasil 9 by MSD (₹11,000 per dose) Cervavac by Serum Institute of India (₹2,000 per dose) In private hospitals, a full course can cost between ₹4,000 and ₹30,000, depending on the vaccine and number of doses. Under government programmes, Cervavac is available for free or at a nominal cost (₹0–₹400 per dose), greatly improving access for families who could not afford private vaccination. Pilot programmes show promise Early pilot projects in states like Sikkim, Punjab and Assam have demonstrated high uptake when vaccines were administered through school-based programmes and supported by community outreach. 'Sikkim was the first state to implement the programme successfully. The HPV vaccine was provided to school children, both girls and boys, using a two-dose schedule. This approach simplifies logistics, generates stronger immune response, fosters herd immunity and protects against other HPV-related cancers such as anal, penile, vulval, vaginal and oropharyngeal cancers,' said Dr Sharona. Dr Bhat added, 'The national strategy will involve coordination between the ministries of health, education and women and child development, as well as training frontline health workers and launching IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaigns to fight misinformation.' What Indian parents need to know Is it safe? Yes. Cervavac is manufactured in India by the Serum Institute and approved by Indian regulatory authorities. It is already in use globally. How many doses? As per WHO guidelines, a single dose is now considered effective for the 9–14 age group. A second dose may be advised by doctors in certain cases. Where is it available? Initially through government schools and health centres. Parents can also consult their paediatrician for private availability. Can adults get vaccinated? Sexually active adults, both men and women, can benefit from the HPV vaccine. Women under 45 are encouraged to get vaccinated and screened regularly. Looking ahead: a cervical cancer-free future India's HPV vaccine rollout is a landmark public health move with the potential to eliminate cervical cancer within a generation. But success hinges on more than policy—it depends on parental awareness, social acceptance and sustained access. Protecting future generations starts now, and it starts at home.
