Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday said India has undergone a decisive transformation from a largely curative healthcare model to a comprehensive preventive and promotive approach, with women’s health and empowerment at its centre. Addressing the Foundation Day Programme of the National Commission for Women in New Delhi, the Union Health Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women led development as a cornerstone of India’s inclusive growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri J P Nadda said the 34 year journey of the National Commission for Women demonstrates that institutions gain credibility not merely through legislation but through sustained commitment, sensitivity and action in addressing complex challenges faced by women. He underlined that empowering women is fundamental to social transformation and national progress.
Highlighting healthcare reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister said the National Health Policy 2017 laid the foundation for integrated healthcare encompassing preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services. To realise this vision, over 1.81 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country, delivering comprehensive primary healthcare to more than 1.4 billion citizens. Maternal and reproductive health, he said, remain central among the twelve service packages offered.
Shri Nadda said the government ensures continuous healthcare monitoring for women and children from conception until a child attains the age of 16 years, with ASHA workers playing a pivotal role on the ground. Through the U WIN digital platform, more than 2.5 crore pregnant women and 2.5 crore children are currently being tracked to ensure timely immunisation, antenatal care and essential interventions. Between 2016 and 2024, over 7.5 crore antenatal check ups were conducted, while institutional deliveries increased by 89 percent over the past decade, significantly improving maternal and child health outcomes.
The Union Health Minister said India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio has declined sharply from 130 per lakh live births in 2014–15 to 88 per lakh live births, among the fastest reductions globally. He added that preventive healthcare has been strengthened through large scale screening at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. More than 40 crore people have been screened for hypertension, resulting in 6.8 crore diagnoses, while 40 crore diabetes screenings have led to 4.6 crore diagnoses. Cancer screening has also expanded significantly, with early detection of oral, cervical and breast cancers enabling timely treatment and improved survival rates.
On mental healthcare, Shri Nadda highlighted Tele MANAS, which provides round the clock counselling services in 20 languages, ensuring accessible and stigma free mental health support for women across the country.
He also referred to the Swastha Nari Sashakt Parivaar Abhiyaan launched last year, which saw participation of over 11 crore women nationwide. The campaign focused on large scale screening for non communicable diseases, tuberculosis, leprosy and other conditions, reinforcing the government’s proactive approach to women’s health.
Reiterating the government’s resolve, Shri Nadda said women centric governance will remain central to national policymaking under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He called for sustained reforms and stronger implementation to ensure equitable and inclusive development.
The Foundation Day programme also witnessed the release and launch of several initiatives, including Jagriti, the monthly magazine of the National Commission for Women, a Handbook on the Maternity Benefit Act in English and Hindi, Pre Marital Communication digital training modules, and the NCW Calendar on Women Scientists. Eight women space scientists were felicitated under the theme Aangan se Antariksh, and scholarships were awarded under the Shakti Scholars Youth Research Fellowship to encourage young women researchers.
The event was attended by Minister of Women and Child Development Smt Annpurna Devi, Minister of State Smt Savitri Thakur, NCW Chairperson Smt Vijaya Rahatkar, Member Secretary Shri Sudeep Jain, senior government officials, civil society representatives and academicians.
