India's Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, stated on Wednesday that a healthy population is a key condition for realizing the goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). These words were spoken by her during the presentation of the government's health roadmap for a developed India by 2047.
Speaking at the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2026, Patel noted the significant growth in the health sector budget. She reported that the budget has increased almost fourfold, rising from approximately 37,000 crore rupees in 2013–2014, while out-of-pocket expenses have decreased from over 64% of total healthcare expenditure to approximately 43%. Patel emphasized that the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana program played a significant role in this process.
Furthermore, she mentioned the national telemedicine network 'e-Sanjeevani', which allows citizens to receive consultations from specialists remotely. This helps reduce the burden on hospitals and benefits the elderly and women.
The Minister of Health for Delhi, Pankaj Singh, stated that the state government's goal is to provide improved medical facilities closer to the residents. He also announced that four new hospitals will open in Delhi next year.
State Minister Pratraprao Jadhav noted that discussions between traditional and modern medicine should not be reduced to choosing one method over another. In his opinion, the main task of the healthcare system should be to provide patients with adequate care tailored to their individual needs.