Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday inaugurated the 10th National Summit on Innovation and Inclusivity: Best Practices Shaping India’s Health Future, highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening healthcare systems through innovation, accessibility, and quality improvement. The event was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, with states and Union Territories participating to showcase successful public health initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Nadda said the summit serves as an important platform for sharing practical strategies and field-tested innovations that can improve India’s healthcare delivery system. He praised Haryana for hosting the event and noted that collaborative learning between states is essential for building a responsive and efficient public health ecosystem under the National Health Mission.

The minister emphasised India’s healthcare transformation over the past decade, stating that the country has moved from a largely curative model to a broader healthcare framework that includes preventive, promotive, curative, and palliative care. Referring to the National Health Policy 2017, he said the policy shift has helped make healthcare more inclusive and people-centric while supporting the larger vision of a developed India.

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Nadda highlighted the growing role of more than 1.85 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which now serve as the first point of contact for millions across the country. He said these centres have significantly strengthened preventive healthcare through screenings for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancers. He also noted that over 50,000 centres have already been certified under National Quality Assurance Standards, while calling for wider certification coverage and stronger regular audits.

The Union Minister also pointed to progress in key health indicators, stating that institutional deliveries have risen from 79% to 89%, while maternal and child mortality rates have declined significantly. He further stressed the need for timely fund utilisation, stronger governance, better coordination among stakeholders, and improved awareness among field-level health workers to ensure effective implementation of schemes and build a future-ready healthcare system for India.

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