Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday called for mission-mode healthcare reforms and reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving a TB-free India by 2027. He emphasised that strong drug regulation and effective public health systems are critical to this goal.
High-Level Review with States
Nadda chaired a high-level review meeting with health ministers and senior officials from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. During the meeting, he assessed healthcare delivery systems and reviewed the implementation of key national health programmes in both states.
Focus on Strengthening Public Health Systems
As reported by Hindustan Times, the discussions centred on strengthening public health infrastructure, enhancing patient satisfaction, improving regulatory oversight, and accelerating progress towards eliminating tuberculosis as a public health concern by 2027. Nadda urged the states to pursue these objectives with clear accountability and outcome-driven strategies.
Emphasis on Robust Drug Regulation
Highlighting the importance of drug safety and quality, Nadda stressed that continuous monitoring of the entire supply chain—from manufacturing to distribution—is essential. He called for the promotion of best regulatory practices and urged authorities to strengthen supervision and compliance as an ongoing mission rather than a one-time effort.
Strengthening Free Drugs and Diagnostics Schemes
On the Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics schemes, the Union health minister directed both states to strengthen supply-chain systems and address existing monitoring gaps. Additionally, he informed officials that the ministry is working with IIM Ahmedabad to improve logistics, transparency, and accountability in drug and diagnostic procurement.
Diagnostics as the Backbone of Healthcare
Nadda underlined that quality diagnostics and timely testing form the backbone of effective healthcare delivery. Therefore, he called for strengthening diagnostic services across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment.
Professionalising Hospital Administration
While acknowledging the central role of doctors in clinical care, Nadda emphasised that hospital administration and regulatory compliance require dedicated professional management. Accordingly, he laid special emphasis on strengthening the regulation of blood banks, hospital systems, and patient safety protocols.
Expanding Access Through Telemedicine
Highlighting technology-driven solutions, Nadda said telemedicine offers an effective way to expand access to quality healthcare, particularly in remote and underserved areas. He encouraged both states to integrate telemedicine platforms more deeply into routine service delivery to ensure uninterrupted access to specialist consultations.
TB Elimination to Be Pursued in Mission Mode
Reiterating the government’s commitment to eliminate tuberculosis by 2027, Nadda called for district-specific interventions. These include intensified screening, improved diagnostics, strict treatment adherence, and enhanced nutritional support. He stressed that TB elimination must be closely monitored at both district and block levels.
Strengthening Political and Community Engagement
To improve governance and accountability, Nadda proposed sensitisation workshops for MLAs, encouraging them to engage regularly with block medical officers and chief medical officers. Moreover, he highlighted that Jan Bhagidari (public participation) is essential for improving health outcomes, ensuring accountability, and building public trust in government programmes.
Centre–State Collaboration Reaffirmed
Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health and Medical Education Rajendra Shukla, along with Chhattisgarh Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, assured full cooperation with the Union health ministry to strengthen programme implementation and outcomes.
Continued Central Support for Health Reforms
Nadda reiterated the Centre’s support through National Health Mission interventions, PPP models, medical education expansion, viability gap funding, and infrastructure support. He also assured full technical training and handholding for Chhattisgarh to ensure that leprosy management receives top priority.
More Consultative Meetings Ahead
Finally, Nadda announced that similar consultative meetings will be held with health ministers from other states in the coming days as part of a mission-mode approach to healthcare reforms.
Shared Resolve for a Healthier Bharat
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen drug regulation, improve diagnostics, professionalise hospital administration, expand medical education capacity, and accelerate progress towards a TB-free Bharat—reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism in public health.