Transformation of 1.5 lakh health centres to be done by 2022: President Kovind

In order to provide medicines at affordable rates, 5,300 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras' have also been opened.

"It is our endeavour to provide medicines at affordable rates to people residing in far-flung areas through these 'Jan Aushadhi Kendras'," he said.

Kovind further said till now, about 18,000 such Health and Wellness Centres have already been operationalised across the country.

The objective is to set up about 1.5 lakh 'Health and Wellness Centres' in rural areas by 2022, he said.

According to the health ministry, under its flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme, a target to transform nearly 1.5 lakh primary health centres and sub-centres as health and wellness centres by 2022 has been set to provide comprehensive and quality primary care close to the community.

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These centres will be equipped to provide treatment for various diseases such as blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and old age-related ailments.

The President further said that the world community enthusiastically supported India's proposal to declare June 21 as 'International Day of Yoga' by the United Nations.

At present, several programmes associated with International Day of Yoga are being organized with great enthusiasm in various countries, of which the most important events will be held tomorrow, he added.