Noting that health and development are intertwined, Union Health Minister said on June 20 that the government's goal is to work holistically in the health sector with synergy between preventive healthcare and modern medical facilities.

The minister said the focus must be on enhancing access to affordable and quality healthcare for the citizens from the remotest corner of the country by strengthening primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare systems, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Presiding over the 21st convocation of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) at Dr Ambedkar International Centre here virtually, he said, "For a Samruddh Bharat, we need a Swasthya Bharat and for a Swasthya Bharat, we need Swasthya Nagrik."

"Today, under the leadership of our prime minister, the goal of the central government is to work holistically in the health sector with synergy between preventive healthcare and modern medical facilities. Our government is making relentless efforts to achieve its motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' which envisages the welfare of 'antyodaya'," he said.

Health and development are intertwined and the government realises the value of healthy citizens and has launched various initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), PM-Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), 'LaQshya' programme and PM Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ADHM), he said.

"All these have proven to be milestones in fulfilling the vision of an accessible, affordable and patient-friendly healthcare system. Working towards the same vision, we have also increased the number of AIIMS and are planning to build a medical college in each district," the minister said.

"We at our end are infused with renewed and enthusiastic vigour towards addressing inequities, through a special focus on inaccessible and difficult areas and poor performing districts. We are trying to serve everyone to achieve our goal of a healthier, more prosperous India," he said.

Highlighting the emergence of disruptive technologies in the healthcare sector, the minister said that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for improving and adapting the best technology in the health sector to face the stiff challenges faced due to the rise in such global pandemics.

"Hence, clinical research which allows doctors to decide how to best treat patients assumes key importance. It is what makes the development of new medicines, new procedures and new tools possible.

"Without clinical research, we would not be able to decide if new treatments are better than our current treatments. Hence, a revamped focus on clinical research is necessary," he added.

Union Minister of State for Health was the guest of honour at the event which was attended by several eminent dignitaries. As many as 17,467 specialists and super-specialist doctors were conferred degrees, namely Diplomate of National Board, Doctorate of National Board and Fellow of National Board.

Also, 210 doctors who have excelled in their performance were honoured with meritorious awards at the convocation ceremony, the statement said.