In an exclusive interview with News18 India, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shared insights into the remarkable achievements of the Ayushman Bharat program and India’s commitment to public health and global solidarity.

The interview, conducted by Kishore Ajwani, Managing Editor of News18 India, covered the upcoming ‘Ayushman Bhava’ campaign, set to launch in celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

Scheduled to run from September 17 to October 2, ‘Ayushman Bhava’ represents a groundbreaking initiative, with Minister Mandaviya passionately calling upon all Indian citizens, social organizations, representatives, and political parties to actively participate. During these 15 days, ‘Seva Pakhwada’ will be celebrated, aiming to unite the nation in noble endeavors.

The Ayushman Bharat program, a government-led healthcare initiative, has positively impacted an astounding 600 million individuals, providing them with crucial healthcare benefits. The government’s recent introduction of an innovative mobile application enhances accessibility and user-friendliness for beneficiaries.

A standout feature of the program is its widespread reach, with an impressive 240 million individuals already possessing Ayushman cards. Minister Mandaviya announced that these cards can now be used for organ donation, streamlining the process and providing donors with certificates of their altruistic contributions.

Minister Mandaviya emphasized, “Ayushman Bharat is more than just a program; it is evolving into a monumental campaign.” Prime Minister Modi’s vision of offering free medical treatment up to 500,000 rupees has already transformed countless lives, and the upcoming Ayushman Villages initiative aims to further enhance healthcare accessibility.

Expressing deep faith in the initiative, Minister Mandaviya stated, “We are undertaking this campaign for the betterment of humanity,” acknowledging the overwhelming support from citizens and NGOs eager to collaborate for the greater good.

“In our nation, health is not a business but a selfless service,” underscored Minister Mandaviya, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to serving its people.

When discussing the healthcare sector, the Minister stressed the importance of international medical cooperation, particularly in the ongoing pandemic era. He highlighted the pivotal role played by digital technology in managing citizens’ health, with digital vaccine records contributing significantly to the efficient vaccination drive.

Regarding India’s remarkable vaccine initiative during the COVID-19 crisis, Minister Mandaviya pointed out that extensive vaccine research had been conducted, leading to India’s global vaccine distribution efforts under the “vaccine maitri” mission. The world has recognized India’s substantial contributions to global vaccination efforts, highlighting the nation’s dedication to international solidarity.

In closing, Minister Mansukh Mandaviya extended an invitation to all individuals to join hands with the Ayushman Bharat initiative, saying, “Come, be a part of our journey, support us, and help us scale new heights to ensure the success of the ‘Ayushmaan Bhav’ initiative.”

This exclusive interview with Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya provides valuable insights into India’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and global health cooperation.