Healthy Citizens Essential for Developed India Goal: Anupriya Patel

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel stated on Wednesday that healthy citizens are vital for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, outlining the government's health roadmap at the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Patel reported significant financial shifts within the sector. According to her statements:

• The national health sector budget has nearly quadrupled, moving from approximately Rs 37,000 crore in 2013-2014 to current figures.
• Out-of-pocket medical expenditure has decreased from over 64% of total healthcare spending down to about 43%.
• The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has contributed significantly to these outcomes.
• The national telemedicine platform, 'e-Sanjeevani', continues to assist citizens by providing remote consultations with specialists, thereby reducing hospital congestion and supporting elderly patients and women.

State Initiatives and Medical Perspectives

During the summit, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh outlined local objectives to expand accessible medical infrastructure, announcing that four new hospitals are scheduled to open in Delhi next year.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav addressed the integration of medical practices, emphasizing that discussions should avoid forcing a choice between traditional and modern medicine. He noted that healthcare systems should focus primarily on delivering appropriate, patient-specific care.

Readers seeking to verify these official announcements can consult government press releases and official ministry publications regarding the India Health Summit & Awards 2026 proceedings.