Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
MP Satnam Singh Sandhu hails PM Modi’s health reforms at Nangal health camp
Babushahi Bureau
Nangal (Punjab) 21 September, 2025: A mega multi-specialty health camp was jointly organized by Indian Minorities Federation (IMF) and New India Development (NID) Foundation at Nangal in Punjab as part of Sewa Pakhwada (Fortnight of Service) dedicated to the celebrations of PM Modi’s 75th birthday to provide underprivileged communities access to essential health services in line with Modi government’s goal for ensuring quality healthcare to every citizen.
This was the first major health camp organized in the Nangal area after flood water receded, which is the first major town in Punjab along the banks of the Sutlej River from where the river water enters after flowing from neighboring state Himachal Pradesh.
More than 5,000 residents from Nangal area, mostly flood-affected families including men, women, elderly and children, availed free medical services during the camp. As water has receded now and the risk of vector-borne diseases is high, this health camp has played a crucial role in providing succor for the flood-affected families.
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, presided over the event as Chief Guest and Convener IMF and MP Satnam Sandhu and multi-faith leaders were also present on the occasion.
As part of ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17 marking the largest ever health outreach for women and children in India, special screening, health check-up of women and children was done during the camp.
More than 150 doctors assisted by over 500 para-medical staff and medical volunteers, examined patients in 17 different medical specialties including Cardiology, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Orthopedics, General Medicine, Unani or Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Dietetics & Nutrition, Mental Health (Psychiatry), Dermatology (Skin), ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat), Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Immunization (Vaccination), Pediatrics (Children) and Orthotics (Prosthetics) during the camp.
Apart from free screening, treatment and consultations, free medical tests, free medicines and free spectacles were also distributed among needy patients during the camp. A blood donation camp supported by BBMB and Red Cross was also organized where donors participated enthusiastically, that resulted in collection of 100 units of blood.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ensuring easy accessibility to affordable and quality healthcare for all sections of the society, the people who availed healthcare services at the camp said since Independence, no Prime Minister before PM Modi has given healthcare a priority of governance other than PM Modi.
The doctors and health experts present at the Health Camp said PM Modi has ensured easy access to quality and affordable healthcare for every Indian during the last 11 Years.
They added that after introducing transformative healthcare initiatives like Jan Aushadhi Kendras and Ayushman Bharat, the Modi government has now implemented GST reforms, reducing GST on essential health products and exempting 33 life-saving medicines from tax.
The doctors said that by extending coverage of Ayushman Bharat, world’s largest publicly funded healthcare program to nearly 62 Crore beneficiaries who get free health coverage of Rs 5 Lakh every year, PM Modi has made quality healthcare a fundamental right for underprivileged sections of society. Out of total cards created under Ayushman Bharat scheme, approximately 49 percent Ayushman cards have been created for women.
A whopping Rs 4.49 lakh crore has been designated for women's welfare in the current budget, marking a significant 37.25 percent increase from the previous year, reflecting the government’s strengthened commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive growth.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, the government has announced that premiums for health and term insurance will be fully exempt from GST. This reform is expected to reduce policy costs by up to 18 percent, making insurance more affordable for citizens and expanding financial protection, said health experts.
They added that by reducing the tax on medicines, PM Modi has done greatest service to the nation; as per the new norms, GST on 33 life-saving medicines has been reduced from 5 percent to nil, while medicines previously taxed at 12 percent remain unchanged. Moreover, GST on medical devices has been lowered from 18 percent to 5 percent, making essential healthcare products more affordable and accessible for all Indians.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s healthcare system has transformed into a pioneering model of universal, technology-driven care that the world now follows. The introduction of apps such ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) for storing and accessing medical records securely in one place, eSanjeevani telemedicine for remote doctor consultations, push for use of AI-driven solutions in diagnostics and digital health startups, PM Modi has ushered in a new era of healthcare in India, added Doctors.
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and IMF Convener Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “In the past 11 years, India’s healthcare system has undergone a profound transformation under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who believes that every life matters and a healthier India is a stronger India.”
MP Sandhu added, “Guided by the vision of Health for All, the government has brought quality and affordable medical care closer to the people even in rural and underserved regions of the country. As health sector budget has increased by 200 % in the last 11 years, from Rs 33,278 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 99,958 crore in 2025-26, huge investments have been made in infrastructure, digital health, immunization, maternal and childcare and medical education across India.”
“For tackling rising cancer cases in India, over 58.35 Crore persons have been screened for oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the last three years,” added MP Sandhu.
Sandhu further added, “PM Modi shares a deep connection with the people of Punjab and the state is benefitting from AIIMS Bathinda, PGI Satellite Center Sangrur, and the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center (Tata Memorial Center) in New Chandigarh which have been set up in the state during his tenure to provide healthcare services to the people of Punjab.”