Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, inaugurated three new CGHS Wellness Centres and a cutting-edge Robotic Unit at the National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (NIT & RD) as a significant step toward improving healthcare services across the country.
The inauguration ceremony, held today, was attended by various dignitaries, including Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Meenakshi Lekhi, Union Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, and Ramesh Bidhuri, MP.
With the existing 341 CGHS Wellness Centres catering to 44 lakh beneficiaries, the addition of these three centres and the Robotic Unit is poised to significantly bolster the coverage and quality of healthcare services provided. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare facilities, stating, “Due to the reforms undertaken by the government, the number of cities covered under CGHS has increased from 25 in 2014 to 80. The centres will soon reach 100 cities in India.”
The Union Health Minister reiterated the core goal of CGHS, saying, “Your health, our goal.” He expressed the ministry’s determination to ensure that CGHS beneficiaries can access healthcare services conveniently, even in the remote corners of the nation. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the instrumental role of robotic surgery in providing optimal care to patients suffering from tuberculosis requiring surgery. He underscored the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare as the foundation of a healthy nation.
In line with the government’s vision for comprehensive healthcare, Dr. Mandaviya outlined the multi-tier approach adopted by the Health Ministry. The revision of package rates for CGHS packages in empaneled private hospitals aims to facilitate beneficiaries in accessing quality healthcare services.
The National Health Authority platform, similar to the one used for Ayushman Bharat, is deployed to streamline processes and empower private hospitals to prioritize treatment for beneficiaries. Leveraging digital technology further eases the reimbursement process, enhancing the overall experience for beneficiaries.
Dr. Mandaviya also celebrated India’s contribution to global healthcare, noting that four out of ten medicines prescribed worldwide are generic medicines made in India. Jan Aushadhi medicines are now available not only for CGHS beneficiaries but for the general public at CGHS Wellness Centres. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the transformative impact of healthcare infrastructure, with over 1.6 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs established across India, ensuring holistic treatments for the public.
The event, attended by key officials such as Dr. Manasvi Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Dr. Manoj Jain, Director, Central Government Health Service, marked a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to every corner of the nation.