Health Ministry Highlights U-WIN Portal, Ayushman Bharat Coverage for Senior Citizens, & Key Initiatives

A National Medical Register for MBBS doctors and a portal for allied healthcare professionals were introduced to streamline data on healthcare practitioners and institutions.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2024 has introduced significant measures, including extending Ayushman Bharat coverage to citizens aged 70 and above and launching the U-WIN portal to digitize vaccinations for pregnant women and children.

These steps align with the government’s vision of enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency, marking a year free from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the tragic RG Kar rape-murder case in West Bengal brought attention to gaps in medical infrastructure and the working conditions of healthcare professionals.

To address these challenges, the ministry aims to improve hospital security and responding to calls for a central law against violence targeting healthcare workers.

A leadership change saw Mansukh Mandaviya replaced by JP Nadda, who returned as Health Minister after his previous tenure from 2014 to 2019.

Additionally, the National Medical Commission (NMC) faced criticism over contentious guidelines for the MBBS curriculum, including topics on unnatural sexual offenses and virginity. These guidelines, issued and later withdrawn following backlash, sparked debate among stakeholders.

Further, the alleged paper leak of the NEET-UG examination prompted the ministry to postpone the NEET-PG entrance exam in July for a comprehensive review of the exam process, causing delays in admissions and counseling, leading to student stress.

The ministry launched a 100-day tuberculosis elimination campaign in collaboration with stakeholders across 347 districts to accelerate case detection and treatment. A shorter treatment regimen under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), reducing treatment duration from 9–12 months to six months, is set for rollout next year.

Moreover, the ministry introduced portable modular medical units, termed BHISHM cubes, in 25 AIIMS and other national institutions for rapid deployment during emergencies. Notably, India gifted four BHISHM cubes to Ukraine during the Prime Minister’s visit.

Drone technology was deployed across 11 tertiary institutions, including AIIMS Rishikesh and AIIMS Guwahati, for swift delivery of medical supplies to remote areas. Additionally, helicopter emergency medical services were launched at AIIMS Rishikesh for rapid healthcare delivery.

A National Medical Register for MBBS doctors and a portal for allied healthcare professionals were introduced to streamline data on healthcare practitioners and institutions. The Central Drugs Regulatory Authority waived clinical trial requirements for certain drugs approved in countries such as the US and UK, covering orphan drugs, pandemic-related treatments, and innovative therapies.

The ministry's efforts emphasized reducing healthcare disparities, particularly in rural areas, through technological advancements and strategic campaigns. "The integration of AI, IoT, and drone services demonstrates our commitment to accessible and equitable healthcare," a senior health official noted.