In a landmark event, President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated a nationwide initiative to address India’s growing healthcare concerns, with a special emphasis on mental health.
The initiative, 'Saving Lives and Building a Healthier Bharat' (Jeevan Suraksha Va Niramaya Bharat Nirman), was launched at the Maharashtra Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, marking the Amrit Mahotsav, that is, jubilee year of P D Hinduja Hospital.
President Murmu highlighted the critical rise in mental health issues, asserting that such challenges also significantly affect physical health. "It is crucial to break the silence surrounding mental health and make efforts towards awareness and support," she stated in her address.
As part of this initiative, a mobile medical vehicle designed to offer free healthcare services to underserved populations in both urban and rural areas was flagged off. The vehicle aims to extend essential medical support to the economically disadvantaged, enhancing access to healthcare in hard-to-reach regions.
The launch ceremony saw the presence of prominent dignitaries like Maharashtra and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, and several key figures from the healthcare sector, including Ashok Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, and medical professionals from P D Hinduja Hospital.
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In her speech, President Murmu also expressed the need for India to increase domestic production of medical equipment. While India is a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the country still relies heavily on imports for diagnostic equipment, which raises treatment costs. She called for a push towards manufacturing essential medical devices under the Make in India initiative, to help reduce the financial burden on patients.
The President’s speech was followed by Governor Devvrat's address, where he emphasised the need for medical researchers to delve deeper into understanding the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney disorders, which have surged over the past few decades.
He attributed these health concerns, in part, to the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, urging a shift towards natural farming practices, which could improve food quality, water purity, and overall environmental health.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Hinduja Hospital for its ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition in rural areas like Palghar and Jawhar, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to public health and social responsibility.
The ceremony also featured an exhibition showcasing the history of P D Hinduja Hospital.
This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing both mental health and healthcare accessibility challenges in India, with an emphasis on providing care to those in greatest need. The mobile medical vehicle is expected to play a pivotal role in reaching marginalised communities, making healthcare more inclusive and affordable.
