President Launches ‘Saving Lives’ Health Drive in Mumbai
Droupadi Murmu Calls Healthcare a Collective Duty, Urges Focus on Technology and Affordable Access
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Feb: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Tuesday inaugurated the nationwide campaign ‘Saving Lives and Building a Healthier Bharat’, organised by PD Hinduja Hospital, at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.
Addressing the gathering, the President said the health of citizens is a shared responsibility and called upon all stakeholders to work together to ensure timely and proper medical care for even the poorest sections of society.
Government Health Initiatives Highlighted
The President noted that over the past decade, the Government of India has taken multiple steps to expand access to quality healthcare. She pointed out that more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are delivering primary healthcare services across the country.
Under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, around 12 crore families receive annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for hospitalisation. National programmes such as Mission Indradhanush, the TB-Free India campaign and the Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission are strengthening disease prevention efforts.
She also referred to the expansion of MBBS and postgraduate medical seats and the establishment of new AIIMS and medical colleges in several states to enhance the availability of doctors and paramedical professionals.
Focus on Emergency Care and Golden Hour
Emphasising that saving a life is the greatest act of service, the President underlined the importance of emergency medical care. She said that proper treatment within the “golden hour” can prevent a majority of deaths in accidents and critical conditions.
She highlighted that the PM Relief Scheme provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for accident victims to prevent loss of life due to delayed assistance. Along with strengthening ambulance networks and trauma centres, she stressed the need for public awareness in handling medical emergencies.
Technology, AI and Affordable Healthcare
The President said technology and artificial intelligence are playing an expanding role in healthcare. The IndiaAI Mission is supporting innovation in AI-enabled healthcare solutions, she added.
Referring to India’s position as a major pharmaceutical producer, she said medicines manufactured in the country are benefiting patients worldwide. However, she noted continued dependence on imports for several medical devices and critical drugs, which increases costs for ordinary citizens.
She said initiatives such as Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are encouraging domestic manufacturing of medical equipment and medicines, making healthcare more affordable. She urged the medical fraternity and business community to promote research, innovation and start-ups in the sector.
Towards Viksit Bharat 2047
The President said that as India advances towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, healthy citizens remain central to nation-building. She expressed confidence that collective efforts by government, healthcare institutions and industry would strengthen India’s position as a global healthcare destination while ensuring quality care for all.
