Nashik, July 12 (HS): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Sunday said quality healthcare must reach the last person in society and called for greater collaboration between the government and the private sector to strengthen healthcare, medical research and innovation in the country.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating Ashoka Health City in Nashik, Maharashtra, Birla said expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare should remain a national priority.
He observed that medical institutions must prepare themselves to tackle both existing and emerging diseases by strengthening research and innovation alongside healthcare delivery. He urged Ashoka Health City to develop research and innovation facilities in addition to its Mother and Child Hospital, cancer care and super-speciality services.
Referring to the Centre's initiatives in the health sector, Birla said the government has expanded medical infrastructure, increased seats in medical colleges and implemented major programmes such as Ayushman Bharat. He added that the participation of the private sector has also contributed significantly to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and medical education.
Highlighting India's achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lok Sabha Speaker said Indian scientists made a significant contribution to vaccine development, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in science and healthcare. He stressed that the government and private sector should work together to advance research, science and technology to effectively respond to future health challenges.
Birla also underscored the need to establish research and innovation centres in universities and colleges, noting that investment in scientific capabilities must go hand in hand with the expansion of healthcare infrastructure.
Expressing satisfaction over the facilities at Ashoka Health City, he said the institution would serve not only Nashik but the entire North Maharashtra region. Referring to the newly inaugurated Mother and Child Hospital, he called for greater efforts to reduce infant mortality by ensuring access to quality maternal and child healthcare.
He further said medical education should be linked with the spirit of public service and urged young doctors to serve in rural and remote areas so that quality healthcare reaches every citizen.
Maharashtra Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Chhagan Bhujbal, Rajasthan Energy Minister Hiralal Nagar, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
