New Delhi: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday addressed concerns over the lack of medical services in rural areas, stating that the government is expanding medical education to strengthen healthcare access. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he announced that 75,000 new doctors will be added in the next five years, with 10,000 new doctors joining this year.
Strengthening Rural Healthcare
Responding to concerns raised by an Opposition MP, Nadda dismissed the claim that healthcare services were inadequate in rural areas. He emphasized that while doctor availability at the grassroots may be lower, the government is steadily increasing medical seats to bridge the gap.
Key Highlights from Nadda’s Statement:
✔ Expansion of medical seats to produce 75,000 new doctors in five years
✔ Deployment of 10,000 new doctors in 2024
✔ Mobile medical units & telemedicine services being used to reach remote areas
India’s Healthcare Progress
Nadda highlighted India’s achievements in public health, pointing out that maternal mortality rate reduction is twice the global average. He credited initiatives like U-Win, which tracks pregnant women and ensures continuous healthcare for children up to two years old.
Healthcare Milestones:
📌 220 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses administered, including booster shots
📌 9 crore cervical cancer screenings conducted
📌 5.3 crore individuals screened under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Campaign
📌 2 crore health cards distributed
State Responsibility & Health System Strengthening
Nadda reiterated that while deploying doctors is a state responsibility, the central government funds salaries and supports healthcare infrastructure. He questioned the opposition’s claims by asking:
“If doctors were not present in rural areas, how were crores of health check-ups completed?”
Concluding his address, he affirmed:
“India’s health system, whether run by any state or government, is robust and continuously improving.”
