With BJP’s chief ministerial candidate, Harsh Vardhan, being a doctor himself, the extensive focus on health services in the party’s manifesto was well expected. Apart from providing universal health insurances to all, the party also promised to introduce trauma centres, family clinics and mobile OPDs once it is voted to power. Besides, the manifesto also boasts of setting up an Institute of Integrated Medicine for research and development in healthcare.
If voted to power, the BJP will be compelled to be on its toes all the time, thanks to the number of agendas on its cards. As the Convener of the Manifesto Committee, Harsh Vardhan has ensured that the health sector is in no way neglected. The manifesto states that the party will re-implement its Essential Drug Policy, which would ensure the availability of 25 essential drugs to all residents of Delhi gratis. This will not only be implemented on Allopathic but also on Ayurvedic, Unani and Homeopathic systems of medicine.
“The BJP promises to provide health facilities to all with the launch of Universal Health Insurance at the premium of Rs 6 per day. Sincere and assertive steps will be taken to bring down the infant mortality rate from 28 to 15 per thousand in the Capital,” Vardhan said, while releasing the manifesto in the presence of senior leaders like leaders of the Opposition in RS and lS, Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj and former BJP chief Nitin Gadkari. With a view to promote bicycle culture in Delhi and to keep its people fit, Vardhan vowed that he would make provision for cycle and pedestrian lanes on roads.
The manifesto also states the provision of private OPD services between 5 pm to 7 pm in all Government hospitals by specialist doctors. “Thirty per cent of health budget shall be invested for preventative and promotion of health care and to create awareness about healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise. We would initiate Holistic Personalised Treatment under one roof by integrating Allopathic, Unani, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic systems of medicine,” the manifesto stated.