PM Modis Directive: No Blame-Game During Covid Crisis, Focus on Vaccine Development

PM Modi directed cabinet ministers to avoid blame-game during the Covid pandemic, despite opposition parties political attacks on vaccine production. He encouraged indigenous vaccine development and implemented guidelines to protect citizens.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive to cabinet ministers during the Covid pandemic, emphasizing the importance of avoiding blame-game and prioritizing diligent work to protect the people from the disease. Addressing questions at the Sushasan Mahotsav 2024, Mandaviya highlighted the prime minister's distress over opposition parties' criticism and attacks on the government's efforts to develop an indigenous vaccine.

Opposition's Criticism and PM Modi's Response

Mandaviya pointed out that opposition parties initially questioned the delay in vaccine development and later raised concerns about its efficacy, even going so far as to ask why PM Modi himself was not taking the vaccine. Amidst the Covid crisis, the opposition indulged in politics over vaccine production, prompting PM Modi to direct his ministers to refrain from engaging in blame-game and continue working diligently towards protecting the people.

India's Success in Vaccine Development

Despite global doubts about India's capability in handling the pandemic, PM Modi held meetings with scientists and encouraged them to develop indigenous vaccines. With the implementation of various guidelines and protocols, India achieved a major success story in research by January 2021, with two vaccines becoming available within a short period.

India's Contribution to Global Health

During the Covid crisis, India demonstrated its commitment to global health by sending medicines such as hydroxychlorine to 150 nations, including developed countries, after fulfilling its own requirements. Mandaviya emphasized that pharmaceutical companies did not increase the prices of medicines, and the quality was not compromised. He stressed that for the government, health is not a commercial enterprise but a service.

Achievements in the Health Sector

Comparing the Modi government's achievements in the health sector to those of previous governments, Mandaviya highlighted the adoption of a holistic approach. The government focused on making healthcare accessible and affordable by operationalizing 1.64 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres. MBBS and PG seats have significantly increased, and the number of medical colleges has doubled to produce more doctors.

Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure

The government has approved 22 new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), of which seven are fully functional, 12 are partially functional, and the rest are in various stages of operationalization. Under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), around 6.22 crore hospital admissions have been authorized, providing health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to 12 crore families.

Teleconsultations and Organ Donation

The e-health initiative of the Union Ministry of Health, eSanjeevani, has facilitated over 20 crore teleconsultations. Organ donation has received a boost under the government, and a central registry of blood banks has been created. Drones are now being used by some AIIMS to transport organs.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's address at the Sushasan Mahotsav 2024 highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the government's achievements in the health sector. Despite challenges and criticism, the government's focus on indigenous vaccine development, global health contributions, and expanding healthcare infrastructure has positioned India as a strong player in the global healthcare landscape.