Our constant endeavour is to ensure affordable healthcare to every Indian, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said access to medicines is a big concern for the poor and his government's constant endeavour is to ensure affordable healthcare for every Indian.

He was interacting through video conference with beneficiaries of the 'Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP)' and affordable cardiac stents and knee implants.

"Access to medicines is a big concern for the poor... Our constant endeavour is to ensure affordable healthcare to every Indian," he said.

Modi said several people are benefitting from PMBJP, an initiative of the government to provide medicines at affordable prices. He noted that the government has reduced stent prices substantially, benefitting the poor and the middle class the most.

The prime minister also said that his government aims to eradicate tuberculosis from India by 2025, five years ahead of a globally-set deadline. One of the participants Subhas Mohanty from Odisha spoke to the Prime Minister about his blood pressure, diabetes and a cholesterol problem. "Earlier I used to buy medicines for Rs. 3,000 earlier now it costs Rs. 400 under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna," Subhas added.

Mala from Hyderabad told the Prime minister how he used to spend Rs. 1,000 on his medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol and now with the Government healthcare benefits the cost for his medication came down to Rs. 200. Mala ji expressed that his life has become easier.

Ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21, the prime minister also appealed to people to practice yoga and make it a part of their life.

PTI