Under the Leadership of PM Modi, India Shifts from Curative to Preventive and Promotive Healthcare: Union Health Minister

Jagat Prakash Nadda, today addressed the Foundation Day Programme of the National Commission for Women (NCW), reaffirming the Government of India’s steadfast resolve to promote women’s health, safety, dignity, and holistic empowerment.

Delivering the Keynote address, J.P. Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, underscored the Government’s vision of women-led development, emphasizing that the empowerment of women is central to India’s inclusive growth and social transformation. He also stated that, the 34-year journey of the Commission reflects how institutions earn recognition not merely through legislation, but through their commitment, sensitivity, and sustained action in addressing complex issues related to women.

Highlighting the paradigm shift in India’s healthcare policy under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Health Minister said that the country has moved from a predominantly curative approach to a comprehensive preventive and promotive healthcare model. He noted that the National Health Policy, 2017 laid the foundation for integrated healthcare covering preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services. To deliver this vision, over 1.81 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to serve more than 1.4 billion citizens, with special focus on maternal and reproductive healthcare, which remains central among the twelve comprehensive healthcare service packages.

The Union Health Minister further informed that from the time a woman conceives until the child attains the age of 16 years, the Government ensures continuous healthcare monitoring, primarily through the dedicated efforts of ASHA workers. Through the U-WIN digital platform, a cohort of over 2.5 crore pregnant women and 2.5 crore children is currently being tracked to ensure timely immunization, antenatal care, and essential health interventions. Between 2016 and 2024, more than 7.5 crore antenatal check-ups have been conducted, while institutional deliveries have increased by 89 percent over the past decade, significantly improving maternal and child health outcomes. He also highlighted the pivotal role of ASHA workers in ensuring free drugs, diagnostics, and timely transportation to healthcare facilities.