News

J P Nadda takes charge as Union Health Minister of India

Along with promoting India as a global destination for medical tourism, one of Nadda’s top domestic priorities will include implementing Ayushman Bharat for senior citizens, aiming to expand the flagship insurance scheme to those over 70.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Jun 11, 2024

News

BJP national president and Rajya Sabha member J P Nadda has been reappointed as the Health Minister, a role he held for more than four years during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first term. In addition, Nadda will oversee the Chemicals and Fertilisers portfolio. 

Announcing his new role on X, Nadda stated, “Honoured to take charge as Minister of Health and Family Welfare under the esteemed guidance of Hon. PM Shri @narendramodi ji. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare plays a crucial role in the nation’s progress and the well-being of its people. As the backbone of the country, the health sector not only promotes public health but also stands as a strong force in addressing and overcoming health challenges. Presently, India’s healthcare system is recognized globally for its excellence, boasting affordable and advanced infrastructure. This transformation has positioned India as a prominent destination for medical tourism worldwide.”

Nadda’s term as BJP president was extended in September 2022, allowing him to lead the party until the upcoming general election. At 63, he is the sole representative from Himachal Pradesh in the BJP-led government. Nadda, a native of Bodh village in Himachal’s Bilaspur district, holds a Bachelor of Arts from Patna University and an LLB from Himachal Pradesh University’s Faculty of Law in Shimla. 

The Minister’s political journey began with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS. In 1991, he became president of the BJP’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). Throughout his career, he has held significant roles within the BJP and spearheaded election campaigns in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Nadda also served as a minister in Himachal Pradesh’s BJP governments. 

Along with promoting India as a global destination for medical tourism, one of Nadda’s top domestic priorities will include implementing Ayushman Bharat for senior citizens, aiming to expand the flagship insurance scheme to those over 70. 

Launched under Nadda in 2018, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), or Ayushman Bharat, provides annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family to over 10.74 crore poor families, covering around 50 crore people for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. 

The Health Minister is also expected to oversee the rollout of the vaccine management platform UWIN for childhood immunization and the government’s focus on cervical cancer vaccination for girls. 

Additionally, his tenure is likely to see further expansion and efficiency improvements in AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), with the number of these institutions increasing from seven to 22 since the Modi government took power in 2014. Nadda has emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in the new AIIMS facilities, aiming for them to be true equivalents to the original institution. 

In the pharmaceutical sector, the Ministry of Health, along with CDSCO and the Department of Pharmaceuticals, has made significant strides in upgrading drug quality through measures such as raids on pharma units, production license cancellations, implementing Schedule M, and launching QR codes for cough syrup monitoring. As projections indicate, the Health Minister’s work will also be towards making India the pharmacy of the world, a reputation that not only brings national pride but also significantly contributes to export revenue.