Goal of universal health coverage priority for Govt: President

New Delhi: Terming the goal of universal health coverage as a priority for the Government, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the implementation of the National Health Mission critically depended on the commitment of the medical fraternity.

'The goal of universal health coverage is a priority for our government. The implementation of the National Health Mission critically depends on your commitment. This needs effective governance at the community, village and district levels,' the President said while addressing General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs) of the 2nd Foundation Course, conducted by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, who called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the officers, the President said that while health may be a core concern for the medical fraternity, they have an equally important role to play in the socio-economic progress of the country.

Our country is making rapid economic progress. Health and socio-economic indicators must gallop along with it.

'While health may be a core concern for you, you have an equally important role to play in the socio-economic progress of the country. Several key Government initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Swachh Bharat need your support and service, the President said.

The President said that the disease burden in our country is undergoing change.

'The disease burden in our country is undergoing change. We have to tackle Communicable diseases such as TB, Malaria, and Dengue, and at the same time deal with the rising incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases.

To address these shifting health priorities, the Government has after more than a decade coming up with a revised National Health Policy. It outlines new and innovative ways to provide affordable healthcare for all,' he said.

The President advised doctors to actively listen to their patients and their concerns, as simply listening to the patients for a couple of minutes can bring psychological benefits to them and aid in the recovery process.