On the morning of 4th September 2012, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of heath schemes and initiatives of the Gujarat Government. Shri Modi shared some of the steps taken by the state towards creating a healthier Gujarat and sought people’s support in the Gutka Mukti Abhiyan.
The schemes that are launched are the Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana, (which provides poor patients with health protection cover up to Rs. 2 lakhs), the Gujarat Medical Services Corporation and ‘Khilkhilat’, that celebrates the homecoming of infants and mothers are the delivery.
The Chief Minister spoke about how latest technology has been used in creating smart cards that will enable the poor of Gujarat to avail of health care treatment during times of illness. Shri Modi assured the poor that even in their worst illness, the Government is with them. He added that such initiatives are usually associated with the West but today, Gujarat has achieved the same in the state.
Shri Modi remarked that when the rich fall ill, there are lines of doctors outside their homes but the same is not the case with the poor. That is why the Government has taken these steps, to ensure the best health of each and every citizen of the state.
Talking about the 108 Ambulance Service, Shri Modi stated that a 108 Ambulance does not ask if you are Hindu or Muslim, rich or poor, urban or rural, upper caste or not, but it is there only to serve the people. Shri Modi said he experiences deep joy when people call him and say that the 108 services has saved their sons, husbands etc.
Talking about the schemes, Shri Modi stated that these initiatives worth Rs. 200 crore that are being dedicated to the people are not instant schemes. It is not as if they appeared all of a sudden but have been accounted for in the year’s Budget. Shri Modi said that these were not mere announcements but their implementation! Shri Modi spoke of a work culture that has made a qualitative difference in ensuring better health facilities for the people.
On the Corporation for Medical Services, the Chief Minister said that too has been accounted for in the last Budget.
Shri Modi affirmed that while Gujarat is shining, others are getting sore creating bankruptcy of ideas among many sections. He said that being an election year, everything is seen through the prism of politics due to which knowledge of many good initiatives fail to reach the people and that is why such a programme has been organized.
Shri Modi sought support in the Gutka Mukti Abhiyan and asked everyone to give a missed call of 8000980009.
He said that Lok Bhagidari is the key to success and in case of Gujarat, he can say with confidence that the people are two steps ahead of the Government in this regard.
Cabinet Ministers Smt. Anandiben Patel, Shri Jay Narayan Vyas, other dignitaries and officials were present on the occasion.