Rise in immunisation coverage rate benefited children in remote, tribal areas: President

New Delhi:  The annual rate of increase in immunisation coverage has gone up from one to 6.7 percent benefiting children in far-flung and tribal areas, President Ram Nath Kovind said.

Stressing that one of the "major" worries of the poor and middle class is regarding medical treatment, he said the government has formulated a new 'National Health Policy' to provide better and affordable healthcare facilities.

"The annual rate of increase in immunisation coverage in the country has increased from 1 percent to 6.7 percent.

"This has benefited children living in far-flung and particularly tribal areas of our country. Recently, my government has also launched 'Intensified Mission Indradhanush'," the President said during the joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament.

Kovind said for the poor and middle class, the financial burden of treatment of disease "further aggravates" their suffering.

"A new 'National Health Policy' has been formulated by my government for providing better and affordable healthcare facilities to the poor and middle class. In addition, under the 'National AYUSH Mission', traditional methods of treatment, such as Yoga and Ayurveda are being promoted," he said.

The president said through 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras', 800 different medicines are being made available to the poor at affordable rates and more than 3,000 such kendras have been set up in the country.

"Under the 'Deendayal Amrut Yojana', over 5,200 life- saving branded medicines and surgical implants are being provided through 111 outlets at discounted rates ranging from 60 percent to 90 percent.

"In addition to medicines for heart patients, the cost of stents has been reduced by up to 80 percent. The cost of knee implant has also been regulated," he said.

Kovind said under 'Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme', more than 22 lakh dialysis sessions for 2.25 lakh patients in over 500 districts have been conducted at discounted rates.

"To enhance the availability of doctors, 7,000 post-graduate seats and over 13,000 MBBS seats have been approved. To ensure quality and transparency in medical education, the government has also introduced the 'National Medical Commission Bill' in the Lok Sabha," he said.