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The Corona Pandemic has severely affected almost all countries in the world. However, timely and bold decisions and examplary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi brought good results, said Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan. In an interaction with Shri Ramakant Pandey for Kamal Sandesh, he said the credit for this achievement certainly goes to the able leadership and guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister. Excerpts of the conversation :
Q. Sir, as you know Corona Pandemic has severely affected almost all countries in the world. However, India has not only successfully checked the community spread of this deadly virus but also extended its helping hand to other countries in this challenging time. Sir, whom do you want to give credit for this great success?
Ans.: Yes, you have rightly pointed out, Corona virus has created havoc around the world but despite having a billion plus population India did not allow the situation to aggravate here since the inception of this pandemic.
On 8 January, 2020 the next day China informed the World Health Organization about the spread of a deadly virus in its country, India resolved to take appropriate action and immediately took decisions in a high-level meeting. After this, we never looked back.
India’s maximum recovery rate and minimum death rate are the testimony of our continuous efforts and right steps at the right time to defeat this pandemic.
Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the States has also made remarkable efforts to overcome the Corona pandemic. In addition, our Corona warriors have also played a significant role in limiting the effects of this epidemic.
Due to timely decisions, better management, bold decisions and examplary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi our efforts got good results and got appreciation from top international institutes including the World Health Organization.
Therefore, the credit for this achievement certainly goes to the able leadership and guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Q.: The Prime Minister took many steps to encourage the doctors, scientists and frontline workers in the war against Corona. Today, in such a short time, the scientists of the country have developed two vaccines but still some political parties oppose it. How do you see this whole scenario?
Ans.: It is true, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took many innovative steps to encourage our doctors, scientists and frontline workers during the long battle against Corona, because without their support, it did not seem possible to achieve this great success.
Take the examples of ‘Thali’ and ‘Tali’. It was organized to demonstrate the solidarity of the people of the entire nation with our frontline workers.
In our democratic system everyone has the right to speak. The Prime Minister always stands with truth and with the country. Protests and criticism further strengthen his efforts.
Now the vaccination program has started, but some political parties are doing cheap politics on this sensitive issue which is shameful.
Q.: In the war against Corona, the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Modi is being praised by almost all global leaders. The world is also looking towards India with hope for vaccine. Will the vaccine be supplied to those countries?
Ans.: Shri Narendra Modi assumed the post of Prime Minister after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Since then his leadership has been widely appreciated through out the world. He has also emerged as the most effective leader in the world even during this pandemic time.
It is true that many countries of the world are looking towards India with hope for Corona vaccine. India had earlier provided free medicines and equipments to many countries of the world at the beginning of the pandemic because India believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
Its a matter of pride that our country is the largest manufacturer of vaccines in the world and is called the world’s pharmacy. Now, Government of India has supplied vaccines to 6 countries – Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles. We are also working to provide assistance to whichever country expects vaccine supply from India.
Q.: How did the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana become a lifeline for the poor during the Corona period?
Ans.: Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, families of weaker sections are provided a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year. As on January 21, 2021, 13 crore 42 lakh 59 thousand 452 e-cards have been issued so far to provide health services including 24,203 listed hospitals with a total of 1,393 operations.
So far, 1,54,69,315 admissions have been made in the listed hospitals. Free treatment and operation for cancer, heart disease and other serious diseases are providing great relief to poor families. Seeing this, it can be said that a large number of poor families are benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in the Corona era.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana, 1 lakh 50 thousand wellness centers have been built in the country. With the efforts of these centers, more than 25 crore people have got better access to health services.
Q.: How long will it take to vaccinate the entire country?
Ans.: In a country with a population of 135 crores, it will take time to give vaccine to all. Presently, health care workers and frontline workers are being vaccinated across the country. After this, people above 50 years will be given the vaccine and in the third phase, those below 50 years of age will receive the shot. Vaccination is being done as scheduled.