INDIA. Guwahati, Assam: Healthcare is not just ‘absence of illness’ said Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and called for taking a holistic view of health that includes physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing and empowers an individual to reach his/her full potential.
In a video message for NDTV’s latest edition of ‘Banega Swasth India’, the Vice President said that this holistic approach towards healthcare is the aim of ‘Swasth Bharat’, which will ultimately lead to ‘Sampann Bharat’ or prosperous Bharat.
Taking note of the significant gains in healthcare indices since independence, Shri Naidu urged the Centre and States to work in a team India spirit with renewed vigor to further improve the healthcare indices. “Apart from increasing public spending, there is also a need to augment the health infrastructure at various levels through a public-private partnership,” he added.
Calling for bridging disparities in health infrastructure between urban and rural areas, he said “While bringing tertiary care to rural areas, it is imperative that we strengthen our primary healthcare system for better health outcomes.” He lauded the government’s flagship scheme, Ayushman Bharat and said it has brought ‘health assurance’ to millions of poor families.
Expressing his concern over the disturbing trend of increasing Non-Communicable Diseases in India, Shri Naidu called for creating greater awareness among people on lifestyle diseases. He urged experts and cultural icons to take the lead in this regard.
Referring to COVID pandemic, the Vice President praised all frontline workers including doctors and paramedics staff, sanitation workers, police and media persons for the extraordinary resilience, courage and spirit of sacrifice displayed by them in fighting the pandemic and serving the people. He said the pandemic has also reminded us that our health is intricately connected to the health of the planet and man must avoid interfering with the natural ecosystems for his selfish interests. ‘One Health, One Planet, One Future’ is the way forward, he added.
Noting that about 65 percent of our population is below the age of 35 years, he exhorted the youth to adopt a healthy and disciplined lifestyle by undertaking regular physical activity like yoga or cycling and eating healthy food. He advised youngsters to avoid getting addicted to digital devices.
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