Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated several health projects and launched new initiatives worth over Rs 12,855 crore to boost India’s healthcare sector.

The event saw the participation of key ministers including Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and other senior officials.

These projects are spread across the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Ministry of Labor and Employment, aiming to strengthen health care access, affordability and modernization across India.

The event coincides with the 9th Ayurveda Day organized at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA). PM Modi noted the growing global reach of Ayurveda, with the day now recognized in more than 150 countries.

He highlighted the government’s dedication to advancing healthcare through five main pillars: preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, affordable treatment, medical infrastructure in small towns and technology integration.

He lauded AIIA for blending traditional Ayurvedic practices like Panchakarma with modern science, offering holistic care and advanced research.

PM Modi announced several major projects, including the expansion of AIIMS facilities in states like Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and the opening of medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh.

Additionally, new nursing colleges and critical care blocks have been planned in many states to enhance medical infrastructure and increase access to health care.

The Prime Minister highlighted the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which covers hospital costs up to Rs 5 lakh for economically disadvantaged families. The scheme has benefited more than four crore individuals, providing essential treatment without financial burden.

Modi further expanded the program with the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, offering free healthcare for citizens above 70 years of age, with the service universally accessible regardless of income.

To support affordable health care, Modi highlighted the role of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which sell medicines at an 80% discount, saving Indians Rs 30,000 crore.

He mentioned the lower cost of medical devices like stents and implants, which he said has resulted in savings of over Rs 80,000 crore to citizens. He also mentioned initiatives like the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush, which protect mothers and newborns through vaccination against major diseases.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the U-WIN platform, a digital vaccination service supporting pregnant women and children.

This made-in-India platform aims to ensure timely administration of life-saving vaccines, benefiting more than 2.9 crore pregnant women and 2.6 crore children annually.

The Prime Minister also praised the success of e-Sanjeevani, which has facilitated over 30 crore online consultations, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Modi launched drone services in 11 tertiary institutions, including AIIMS, in states like Uttarakhand, Telangana, Assam and Chhattisgarh. These drones will improve emergency response and treatment in inaccessible areas.

He also introduced helicopter emergency services at AIIMS Rishikesh, covering surrounding areas within 100 nautical miles, thereby enhancing trauma care capabilities.

Further, the Department of Pharmaceuticals announced five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the production of high-end medical devices, implants and essential medicines.

Modi also laid the foundation of four centers of excellence in cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Guwahati that will pursue research in medical devices, phytopharmaceuticals and drug discovery.

Under the AYUSH ministry, Modi launched the second phase of AIIA, which includes a 150-bed Panchakarma hospital and Ayurvedic sports medicine facilities.

New research institutes in yoga and naturopathy are planned for Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and four special centers will focus on areas such as diabetes research and rheumatoid arthritis.

The country’s Nature Conservation Campaign, a health awareness campaign with approximately five lakh volunteers, was also launched.

The Prime Minister promised that the government will continue to expand medical education, aiming to add about 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats in the next five years.