PM Modi actively engaged with beneficiaries during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra on Thursday, delving into their experiences and understanding the tangible benefits derived from various central government schemes. This interactive session provided a firsthand account of the impact these initiatives have had on individuals and communities.
During the event, PM Modi took a significant step toward enhancing healthcare accessibility by launching a program that aims to double the number of Jan Aushadi Kendras from the existing 10,000 to an extensive network of 25,000 across the country. In doing so, the Prime Minister directed the volunteers managing these kendras, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that citizens derive the full spectrum of benefits offered by these government schemes. This initiative underscores the overarching vision of making healthcare more affordable and readily available, a pivotal aspect of the Prime Minister’s agenda for fostering a healthy India.
In addition to bolstering healthcare access, PM Modi inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Mahila Kisan Drone Kendra during the event. Despite initial skepticism surrounding the Drone scheme, the Prime Minister emphasized its empowering impact on women, aligning with the broader context of women-oriented welfare programs. This initiative involves providing drones to women Self Help Groups (SHGs), enabling them to utilize this technology for livelihood assistance. The beneficiaries will also undergo essential training to operate drones, thereby promoting the infusion of technology into agriculture.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, commenced on November 15 from Khunti, Jharkhand, encompasses various on-spot services, including health camps organized at the locations where the Yatra halts in Gram Panchayats. As of November 26, 2023, an impressive 5,470 health camps have been conducted in 995 Gram Panchayats, with an overall footfall exceeding 7,82,000 people. The health camps not only offer general healthcare services but also include screening for Tuberculosis (TB) symptoms, sputum testing, and the use of NAAT machines where available.
Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMA), consent is being obtained from TB patients to receive assistance from Nikshay Mitras. Both of these initiatives, providing drones to women SHGs and significantly increasing the number of Jan Aushadi Kendras, were prominently announced by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day speech earlier this year. These endeavors collectively reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare, empowering women, and integrating technology for agricultural progress.