Many developmental programmes in pipeline for Northeast, says Union Health Minister

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 27 (EMN): Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology and Earth Science, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, said on Saturday that there are many developmental programmes in the pipeline for the Northeast region.

Speaking at a reception event organised at Kohima village on the final leg of his three-day visit to the state, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to dedicate himself to helping the poor and develop places that deserve uplift.

He stated that Modi has a keen interest and desire to “bring equal status and development” in the urban as well as rural areas and has been ‘working out policies for it’ for the past seven years. He added that more development activities will take place in the country in the coming years.

Citing significant increase in fund allotment towards healthcare, sanitation and drinking water services in this year’s Union Budget, he said the central government is committed to improving healthcare services and facilities across the country and is leaving no stone unturned to ensure it.

Towards New India

The minister also stated that the Central government is taking initiative to support the youths of the country to “realise their dreams”. He said several campaigns like Digital India, Startup India etc. have been launched to create a ‘New India.’ 

“The prime minister stands solidly behind the dreams of young people,” he said, adding that, “He (Modi) has so many visionary programmes; every programme resulted in a positive outcome”.

He said that the country’s economy can be boosted not with money but through “innovations and ideas”.

“We are fortunate to have our Prime Minister who is concerned for the Northeast region of India, who dreams of developing a new India by 2022 when we complete 75 years of independence,” the minister said, adding that Modi wants every Indian irrespective of caste, creed, colour or age develop a dream where they can “sincerely contribute to the nation”.

“You can have dreams for your village and city to fulfil the aspirations of the people,” he said and that “they are working towards realisation of the ultimate dream for New India which will bring a smile to every face”.

“All programmes have been properly planned for the last six to seven years,” he said, while urging the people to ‘strengthen the process of development’.

Over 13 million vaccine doses administered

Stating that scientists in the country have “successfully developed” Covid-19 vaccine in the shortest possible time, the minister said more than 13 million doses have been administered across the country so far.

He maintained that amidst the Covid-19 crisis, “Modi had led from the front and took a proactive role” in handling the pandemic and reduce the fatality rate.

Informing that the Health ministry will be conducting another phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive starting on Monday, March 1, particularly to patients above 60 years of age with varied ailments and complications, he appealed to avail the vaccine “in the most sincere manner” which is being made available freely.  

It may be mentioned that the union minister laid the foundation stone of Mon Medical College, an INR 325 crore project, at District Hospital Mon on Friday, after which Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hosted an official dinner in his honour at State Banquet Hall, Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima.

On his arrival in the state on February 25 along with his wife Nutan Goel, Vardhan visited the Health and Wellness Centre at Naga United village and Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CISHR) in Dimapur.