Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s significant achievements in the fight against malaria and cancer, noting that these efforts are now being recognized and appreciated worldwide.
In the 117th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ PM Modi referred to a WHO report that reveals India has achieved an 80 percent reduction in malaria cases and deaths between 2015 and 2023.
He said, “Malaria has been a big challenge confronting humanity for four thousand years. Even at the time of Independence, it was one of our biggest health challenges. Malaria ranks third among all infectious diseases that kill children between one month and five years of age. Today, I can say with satisfaction that the countrymen have collectively, strongly fought this challenge.”
PM Modi also acknowledged the contributions of the tea garden workers in Jorhat, Assam, and the residents of Kurukshetra, Haryana, for their efforts in preventing and eradicating malaria.
He said: “In the tea gardens of Jorhat in Assam, malaria used to be a major cause of concern for people until four years ago. But when the tea garden dwellers united to eradicate it, they started getting success to a great extent. In this effort, they have made full use of technology as well as social media.”
“Similarly, Kurukshetra district of Haryana has presented a very good model for controlling malaria. Here, public participation for monitoring Malaria has been quite successful. Through street plays and radio, emphasis was laid on messages which helped a lot in reducing the breeding of mosquitoes,” he added.
Advances in Cancer Detection and Treatment
PM Modi also highlighted India’s progress in the early detection and treatment of cancer, highlighting a study published in the medical journal Lancet. He praised the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for its role in ensuring timely cancer treatment within 30 days.
“Because of this scheme, 90 percent of cancer patients have been able to start their treatment on time. This has happened because earlier, due to lack of money, poor patients used to shy away from getting tested for cancer and its treatment. Now, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has become a big support for them. Now they are coming forward to get themselves treated”.
“The Ayushman Bharat Yojana has reduced the financial problems in cancer treatment to a great extent”, he added.
Ayurveda’s Growing Global Influence
PM Modi also noted the growing influence of Ayurveda, highlighting Paraguay’s adoption of this ancient Indian medical system.
He pointed out that despite having a small Indian community of around a thousand people, Paraguay has made remarkable strides in promoting Ayurveda.
