WHO certifies India as free of neonatal tetanus, says Nadda

Stating that the shortage of manpower and paramedics are challenges which the health sector faces, Nadda said, "The first challenge the health sector faces is the availability of services, which is more serious in urban areas. At least 70 percent of healthcare is given by private sector, whose focus is tertiary sector, which is resulting in the shortage in primary healthcare."

Pointing out that 60 percent of disease-related deaths are due to non-communicable diseases, while 60 percent of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases, he said that his ministry was focussing on these in addition to communicable diseases.

He said under 'e-hospital Yojana', OPD (Outpatient Department) registration has been made online in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Safdarjang Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).

"As many as 70 medical colleges to be converted into Super Specialty Hospitals, while 58 district hospitals are being converted into medical colleges, and the Centre would lay more focus on preventive healthcare," said Nadda elaborating on the government's vision for healthcare.