'We have to provide the common man with access to improved health services': PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday said that the government aims to provide the common man with access to improved health services.

Addressing the nation today from the ramparts of Red Fort on the occasion of the 65th Independence Day, Dr. Singh said: "I have often referred to the 11th Five Year Plan as an education plan. We will lay the same emphasis on health in the 12th plan as we laid on education in the 11th plan."

"I will propose to the National Development Council that the 12th plan should be specially focused on health. I also promise that funds will not be a constraint in the important areas of education and health," he added.

Dr. Singh said that the nation had no facility for health insurance for workers in the unorganized sector for a long time.

"In 2008, we began the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana for workers in the unorganized sector who are below the poverty line. In the last year we have covered those getting employment under Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Act and also domestic workers, street vendors and beedi workers under this scheme," said Dr. Singh.

"Today the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana covers about 2 crore 50 lakh workers. Our government will endeavour to cover as many unorganized sector workers as possible under this scheme," he added.

The Prime Minister said malnutrition in women and children is a matter of concern.

"Malnutrition in our women and children is a matter of concern for all of us. We have taken a number of steps to tackle this problem, including two new schemes. We have also decided that we will start implementing an improved Integrated Child Development Services scheme within the next six months so that the problem of malnutrition in children can be effectively addressed," said Dr. Singh.

"The figures of census 2011 show improvements in most areas. But it is a matter of deep regret for us that the sex ratio has shown a decline from the level of the last census. For an improvement in this state of affairs, it is not only necessary to implement the existing laws effectively, but it is also essential to change the approach with which our society views girls and women," he added.

Dr. Singh further appealed to the various state governments and social service organizations to take steps for empowerment of women and for improving their status in society. (ANI)

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