The Budget Session of Parliament began today with the ceremonial address of President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of both Houses. Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu highlighted the Central government’s sustained focus on strengthening the country’s public healthcare system, describing health and well-being as a central pillar of inclusive national development.
The President outlined the government’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, placing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare at the heart of human capital development, with special emphasis on the poor, vulnerable and underserved sections of society.
Highlighting the impact of flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the President noted that over 11 crore people have received free medical treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) since the launch of the scheme. In the past year alone, nearly 2.5 crore poor and vulnerable citizens benefited from free treatment under government health schemes, significantly reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Special initiatives for senior citizens were also highlighted. According to the President, nearly one crore Ayushman Vay Vandana Cards have been issued over the past one and a half years, enabling about eight lakh elderly citizens to access free healthcare services.
Emphasising the strengthening of primary healthcare, President Murmu said that 1.80 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are now operational across the country. These centres are playing a critical role in delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services, particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas.
The address also drew attention to the government’s mission-mode approach to disease prevention and public health management. Under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, more than 6.5 crore people – especially in tribal, rural and remote regions – have been screened, enabling early diagnosis and prevention. Sustained public health interventions have also led to effective control of Japanese Encephalitis and related diseases, particularly in endemic districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Highlighting regional development, the President said the past decade has been transformative for healthcare infrastructure in the Northeast. The establishment of a State Cancer Institute in Itanagar, a medical college in Shivsagar in Assam, another medical college in Sichey in Sikkim, and a women and children’s hospital in Agartala are expected to significantly improve healthcare access for millions of families in the region.
President Murmu said the government is fully committed to social justice in its true sense and as a result, 25 crore citizens have overcome poverty during the last decade. She said during the third term of the government, the campaign to empower the poor has moved forward with greater momentum.
The President said, at the beginning of 2014, social security schemes could reach only 25 crore citizens. She said that with continuous efforts of the government, about 95 crore Indians have social security cover today. The President said the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is bringing positive change in the lives of all citizens of the country.
Lauding the valour and prowess of the Indian Defence Forces during Operation Sindoor, the President said that, using its own resources, the country destroyed the base camps of terrorists. She said the government has sent a strong message that any terrorist attack on India will receive a firm and decisive response. She said, after Operation Sindoor, confidence in Made-in-India defence platforms has grown stronger.
The President said, in line with the policy of the government, security forces have also acted decisively against Maoist terror. The President said that, to provide employment and development in rural areas, a law named Viksit Bharat G Ram G has been enacted. President Murmu said, this scheme will provide new momentum to rural development and create new facilities for the farmers, livestock farmers and fishermen.
President Murmu said, in the last 10-11 years, India has strengthened its foundation in every sector, and this year, 2026, is a major base for the journey towards Viksit Bharat.