Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the 4th Anniversary celebrations of Ayushman Bharat -Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) through a video conference (VC) with more than 1 lakh AB-HWCs, State Health ministers, senior officials of all the states and UTs, healthcare workers from various hospitals and development partners.

Accentuating the healthcare services being provided through the digital platform of teleconsultation Union Health Minister noted that “Health is an important issue in the development sector. E-Sanjeevani is providing affordable and accessible health care as envisioned by the prime minister. People in many states have been quick to recognise the benefits of e-sanjeevani and this has led to an encouraging trend of widespread rapid adoption of this digital modality of seeking health services. Patients consult with doctors and specialists on a daily basis using this innovative digital medium to seek health services. Today, some HWCs also provide screening services for some serious diseases like Oral Cancer, Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer. This helps the country not only in early detection but also in providing early treatment to the patient. Healthy Citizens can only make a Healthy Society and Healthy Society builds a Healthy Nation. AB-HWCs are a stepping stone towards this vision".

"Teleconsultation Services are very crucial for people in remote areas and are helpful in making healthcare services accessible for all. States/UTs should mobilize all stakeholders in providing services at the spokes and efficiently connecting them with the hubs", he further added. The Union Health Minister advised States/UTs to promptly and proactively spread awareness regarding AB-HWCs health melas which will be organized under AzadiKaAmritMahotsav (AKAM) from 18th-22nd April in addition to the Yoga sessions to be organized on 17th April at all HWCs on this occasion so that citizens can actively participate in these health melas and become aware of the HWCs services being provided in their regions. He also advised states to extensively do screening for TB, Cervical Cancer, Diabetes and Oral Cancer during this Health Mela. He also encouraged and called on everyone to actively participate in this Health Mela.

The Union Health Minister also released four booklets – Quarterly report on AB-HWCs, Guidelines on Human resources for health, Public Health Management Cadre’ Guidance for implementation and Indian Public Health Standards Guidelines.

Member NITI Aayog, Dr. VK Paul appreciated the game-changing step of teleconsultation services in creating a nirogi India. He emphasized that Primary health centres are the most important component of the health system of our country as they cater to the local population and are embedded as the first point of contact for health services in their minds.”