PM hails National Health Policy, calls it 'futuristic'

The policy, which was cleared by the Cabinet on Wednesday, was unveiled on Thursday in Parliament by Health Minister J P Nadda.

New Delhi, Mar 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the National Health Policy as a 'futuristic' document which places the interests of the citizens foremost.

"National Health Policy marks a historic moment in our endeavour to create a healthy India where everyone has access to quality healthcare," he tweeted.

"#NationalHealthPolicy2017 is comprehensive & futuristic, placing the interests of the citizens first & foremost," he added.

The policy, which was cleared by the Cabinet on Wednesday, was unveiled on Thursday in Parliament by Health Minister J P Nadda. It sets ambitious targets like raising of public expenditure on health care to 2.5 per cent of GDP from the current level of about 1.5 per cent. It also entails introducing yoga much more widely in schools and work places. The policy also envisions increasing life expectancy to 70 years from 67.5 years and proposes free diagnostics and drugs at all public hospitals.

PTI