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The Modi government has outlined an ambitious 100-day agenda for the Union health ministry, focusing on extending healthcare benefits and digitizing health services. Among the highlights are the extension of Ayushman Bharat coverage to all citizens aged above 70 years and the nationwide implementation of the U-WIN portal to digitize routine vaccinations.
In a brief interaction with senior officials after taking charge of the ministry, Health Minister J P Nadda, who is also the BJP president, emphasized the importance of these initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously announced during the BJP’s Lok Sabha poll manifesto in April that the Ayushman Bharat Yojana would be expanded to include senior citizens above 70 and the transgender community.
Other notable initiatives in the 100-day plan include the launch of the National Health Claims Exchange to ensure interoperability and faster processing of health insurance claims. The use of drone services to deliver medical essentials from AIIMS and other Institutes of National Importance to remote areas, and providing cashless treatment services to ex-servicemen are also on the agenda.
Key areas of focus also encompass ease of doing business, such as the ‘tatkal’ issuance of licenses or registrations for select food businesses under the FSSAI. The deployment of Arogya Maitri Cubes in central government hospitals to address health emergencies, financial support to Banaras Hindu University’s Institute of Medical Sciences on the lines of AIIMS, and the operationalization of the National Medical Register are other significant goals.
Extending the Ayushman Bharat scheme to individuals aged 70 and above is a top priority. The proposal’s modalities are being worked out and will be sent to the Expenditure Finance Committee for approval before being forwarded to the Cabinet.
The U-WIN portal, modeled on the Co-WIN COVID vaccination application, aims to maintain an electronic registry of routine immunizations under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Currently piloted in two districts per state or Union Territory, the platform records each vaccination event for children and pregnant women and is linked with Co-WIN, allowing access to beneficiary records via registered mobile numbers.
Additionally, the National Medical Commission is developing the National Medical Register, a centralized repository of doctors practicing in India. This project, set to be completed by the end of 2024, will assign unique identification numbers to all doctors. A pilot project for the register is already underway.
