"Nation's progress accelerates when its citizens are healthier": PM Modi highlights five pillars of health policy

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the central government has established five pillars of health policy, prioritizing citizens' well-being, adding that a nation's progress accelerates when its citizens are healthier.
Addressing the inauguration of various health projects at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in the national capital, PM Modi extended greetings of Dhanteras
"Today the entire country is celebrating Dhanteras, and Dhanwantari Diwas, I extend my good wishes. People buy something on the day. I also want to wish the businessmen. I also want to send my advance good wishes on Diwali. We have seen many Diwali celebrations, but this Diwali is historic. After 500 years, thousands of diyas will be lit at Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He has again come back to his home, this time, it is not after 14 years, but 500 years," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister further asserted that health is wealth, adding that the ancient thought is spreading in the name of Ayurveda Diwas.
"This festival of health, and prosperity is not just a coincidence, but it is also symbol of Indian culture. The saints said, 'arogyam paramam bhagyam', means health is wealth. These ancient thought is spreading in the name of Ayurveda Diwas. In more than 150 countries, Ayurveda Diwas is being celebration. It is a proof of world attracting towards Ayurveda," he added.
PM Modi highlighted the five pillars and said, "A nation's progress accelerates when its citizens are healthier. With this vision, the central government has established five pillars of health policy, prioritizing citizens' well-being. There are five pillars they are, Preventive healthcare, Timely diagnosis, Affordable medicines and treatment, Proper healthcare in small towns and villages and Technology expansion in healthcare sector."
The Prime Minister said that the union government has made a significant decision to bear the medical expenses of up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor.
"Our government has made a significant decision to bear the medical expenses of up to Rs. 5 lakh for the poor. Approximately 4 crore poor individuals have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Fulfilling the guarantee made during the elections, all seniors above 70 years will be covered under the Ayushman Yojana, which is being implemented today," he said.
He further said that around 4 crore poor people in the country have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
"There was a time when people's houses, lands, jewellery were sold for treatment. The soul of the poor trembled on hearing the cost of treatment for a serious disease. The helplessness of not being able to get treatment due to lack of money would shatter the poor. I could not see my poor brothers and sisters in this helplessness, that is why the 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme was born. The government decided that the government would bear the cost of treatment of the poor up to Rs 5 lakh. Around 4 crore poor people in the country have benefited from the Ayushman Bharat scheme," the PM said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi unveiled multiple projects related to the health sector worth around Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in the national capital on the occasion of 9th Ayurveda Day.