The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, July 18: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India’s rapid adoption of digital technology has significantly improved access to healthcare, noting that the government’s e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform has facilitated more than 47 crore online medical consultations since its launch in 2019.
Speaking at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony in New Delhi, Singh said digital healthcare initiatives have made quality medical advice accessible to millions, particularly people living in remote and underserved regions of the country.
The Defence Minister also stressed that the Centre considers healthcare spending a long-term investment in the nation’s development rather than simply a welfare measure. According to him, consistent investment in the health sector has strengthened medical infrastructure and expanded access to essential services across India.
Highlighting the government’s broader healthcare initiatives, Singh referred to flagship programmes such as Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, saying these schemes, together with digital health platforms, have improved the reach and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
He pointed out that the e-Sanjeevani platform has become a key pillar of India’s telemedicine ecosystem by connecting patients with qualified doctors through virtual consultations, reducing geographical barriers to medical care.
During the event, Rajnath Singh also presented the IMA Lifetime Achievement Awards to five senior medical professionals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to healthcare and medical science. The recipients included Dr Bharat Agarwal, Dr A.K. Patel, Dr Navin Dang, Dr (Prof.) S. Rajasekaran, and Dr C.P. Thakur.
The Minister further noted that the Union government’s health budget has witnessed a cumulative increase of 194 per cent over the past 12 years, reflecting its commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare system and expanding access to quality medical services.
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