On the evening of Friday 3rd January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed the AAPI Global Healthcare Summit. Shri Narendra Modi talked about the changing nature in the health sector including the importance of specialization in the sector. He recalled that earlier in the villages one ‘Vaid’ would be enough to cure every disease but now that is changing. He pointed towards the increased role of technology in the health sector and observed that medical science is dependent on technology in a very big way.
Shri Modi talked about focusing on health assurance instead of health insurance. He also added that emphasis must be given towards preventive healthcare in addition to healthcare and that Lok Shikshan can play a major role in this. He opined that the poor people are the worst sufferers during the time of poor health. Shri Modi recalled a statement made by the Honourable President of India that so many families are impoverished when one person falls ill and added that this should not happen.
He spoke about the importance of proper marketing and branding in the health sector that can give a big impetus. Shri Modi pointed towards the importance of human resource development in the health sector citing examples of training nurses, which can also be India’s contribution towards the health sector. He also talked about the increasing importance of innovation, asking why cannot India manufacture the best health equipment and then export it to the world.
Shri Modi once again stated the commitment and vision of the Gujarat government towards creating a healthy Gujarat. He shared that when he took over as the CM in 2001 the healthcare budget was around Rs. 800 crore but now that has increased to around Rs. 5500 crore. Yet, Shri Modi said a lot has to be done.
The organisers thanked Shri Modi for gracing the event with his presence and addressing them.
