North News
(Darbhanga) Bihar, November 13
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various development projects worth around Rs 12,100 crore in Darbhanga of Bihar on Wednesday. The development projects comprise health, rail, road, petroleum and natural gas sectors. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that voting is going on in the neighbouring state of Jharkhand and the people of the state are casting their votes for a Viksit Bharat. He urged the citizens of Jharkhand to come forward in large numbers. The Prime Minister also paid tributes to Late Sharda Sinha ji and lauded her uncomparable contributions to music, especially her compositions of Chathh Mahaparv.
The Prime Minister underlined that the state of Bihar along with entire India was witnessing the progress of major developmental targets. He added that unlike in the past when the schemes and projects were just on papers, today they are being successfully implemented on ground. “We are treading steadfastly towards Viksit Bharat”, exclaimed Modi. He added that our current generation was fortunate enough to be a witness to the Viksit Bharat along with contributing towards the goal.
Reiterating the government’s commitment towards the welfare of the people and service of the nation, the Prime Minister mentioned the development projects of today worth around Rs 12,000 crore encompassing the sectors of road, rail and gas infrastructure. Moreover, the Prime Minister said that a significant step has been taken today to realize the dream of AIIMS in Darbhanga which would bring big changes in the health sector of Bihar. He informed that the regions of Mithila, Kosi and Tirhut apart from areas of West Bengal and nearing regions would benefit from this, while also catering to the patients visiting India from Nepal. He said that multiple new opportunities for employment and self-employment would also be created. The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Mithila, Darbhanga and entire Bihar for the development projects of today.
Noting that the highest share of population in India comprises the poor and the middle-class people, the Prime Minister remarked that the people of these sections were most impacted by diseases, which leads to huge out-of-pocket expenditure for the treatment. Modi remarked that he was well aware of how the entire family would be distraught if someone in the family was down with an illness. He added that situation of the medical infrastructure was very poor in the past due to dearth of hospitals and doctors, over-priced medicines and less diagnostic & research centers. The Prime Minister remarked that the progress of the nation was stalled due to the poor health infrastructure and difficulties faced by the poor. Hence, he added, the old thought and approach were changed.
The Prime Minister underlined the holistic approach adopted by the government with regard to health. He outlined the focus areas of the government and said that the first focus area is prevention from diseases; secondly proper diagnosis of ailment; thirdly availability of free or low cost treatment and medicines; fourth to equip smaller towns with better medical facilities; and fifth expansion of technology in the health sector.
Modi highlighted the government’s emphasis on Yoga, Ayurveda, nutritional value, Fit India Movement. Pointing out that junk food and a poor lifestyle are the main cause of common ailments, the Prime Minister listed out the government’s efforts and mentioned campaigns like Swachh Bharat, toilets in each home and tap water connection that are aimed at promoting cleanliness and reducing the scope for diseases. The Prime Minister also praised the efforts of the Chief Secretary, his team and the people of the state to carry out cleanliness campaigns in Darbhanga for the past few days and to strengthen the movement. He also urged to extend the campaign for another few days.
The Prime Minister remarked that the severity of many diseases can be reduced if detected early. However, he noted, the high cost of diagnostics and research had prevented the people from getting known about being affected. “We have started more than 1.5 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the country”, said Modi which will help in early detection of diseases.
Noting that more than 4 crore patients were treated under the Ayushman Bharat scheme till date, the Prime Minister said that the absence of the scheme would have desisted many ill people from even being admitted to hospital. Modi said that the scheme had alleviated the worries of many poor people due to the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. He noted that around 1.25 lakh crore Rupees has been saved by crores families due to Ayushman scheme and the patients were treated in both Government and private hospitals under the scheme.
Reaffirming the commitment of including citizens above 70 years of age in the scope of Ayushman Bharat scheme made during the elections, the Prime Minister remarked, “This guarantee has been fulfilled. Free treatment for senior citizens above 70 years has already begun irrespective of the family income.” He said that all beneficiaries would soon possess a Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. He also touched upon Jan Aushadhi Kendras that offer medicines at extremely low costs.
