Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan proudly stated that India remained protected from novel Coronavirus due to its robust health surveillance system.
Hailing the qualified health professionals for "resisting" the Ebola, Nipah virus and Swine flu in the past, Harsh Vardhan said that the doctor-to-population ratio will also be as per WHO standards.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Academic and Administrative Building of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) on Saturday, the Health Minister said India is now in a position to achieve the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 'Health for All' goal and to form a healthcare model that can be emulated by other countries.
"India's robust health surveillance system has been able to stall novel Coronavirus from entering the country. Similarly, Ebola, Nipah virus, Swine flu were also resisted by qualified health professionals in the country in the past," Harsh Vardhan said.
Harsh Vardhan on achievements in health sector
Speaking about the achievements in the Health sector, Harsh Vardhan said the number of medical and post-graduation (PG) seats has been significantly increased.
"The number of AIIMS has gone up from 6 to 22. Ayushman Bharat scheme has been started along with tertiary healthcare. Health and wellness centres and preventive healthcare centres have also been set up," Harsh Vardhan said.
Coronavirus scare in India
Kerala has confirmed three Covid-19 coronavirus cases in the state. With this, the Kerala government has declared it a state calamity, state Health Minister KK Shailaja said.
All the three cases which have tested positive were medical students - one girl and two boys - who were studying in China's Wuhan, the epicentre of the deadly virus.
Unresolved issues in the healthcare sector
Harsh Vardhan underlined that not a single woman should die of pregnancy and no child should go without vaccines.
"Besides eradication of TB and Kala-azar, zero death due to diarrhoea, control and elimination of deaths due to Malaria are also important goals of the government," Harsh Vardhan said.
Speaking about IIPS, Harsh Vardhan said the name of the prestigious institute often appears in health surveys, and that researchers and students passing out from the IIPS hardly remain unemployed. "Rather many of them work for the UN and other reputed organisations," Harsh Vardhan added.
Harsh Vardhan further said the country can reap the rich dividends from these bright minds and urged them to give something concrete to the country as per its needs.
"Many milestones have been achieved in the health sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wants to deliver a New India by 2022. However, the last mile is yet to be reached," Harsh Vardhan added.
Harsh Vardhan urged researchers and young professionals to come up with innovative, out-of-box ideas to resolve the unresolved issues in the healthcare sector.
As part of the Centre's efforts to management of Novel Coronavirus (COVID19), 21,805 passengers have been brought under community surveillance. In addition, 3,97,152 flight passengers and 9,695 travellers at seaports have been screened.
(With agency inputs)
