Under National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM), screenings are conducted at all health facilities from District Hospitals up to Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) level across the country for diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease. As on date, a total of 30 Point of care tests (PoCT) and 5 Non-Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Assays validated tests for screening of SCD have been approved by ICMR and are used by States for screening. As on 31.07.2025, a total of 6,07,30,111 screenings have been done in the 17 identified tribal dominated States. Cost norms for screening of SCD have been approved as Rs. 100/person which includes cost of screening, record keeping and related cost.
Patients living with SCD are provided with the following services/ facilities for improving their quality of life through AAM- Sub Health Centres (SHC) and AAM- Primary Health Centres (PHCs):
• Follow-up of diseased individuals at frequent intervals.
• Counseling regarding lifestyle management, pre-marriage and pre-natal decisions.
• Nutritional supplementation support through distribution of folic acid tablets.
• Conducting yoga and wellness sessions.
• Management of crisis symptoms and referral to higher facilities.
Through Ministry of Tribal Affairs, awareness and counseling material have been developed and disseminated to the States & UTs. Through monthly Ayushman Arogya Shivirs, awareness is raised for various health programmes including SCD.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued guidelines for cost norms for establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoE) on SCD funded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in various states. As on date, 15 CoEs have been approved in the country across 14 States by MoTA.
Under Department of Health Research, ICMR has established the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh and a Centre for Research Management and Control of Hemoglobinopathies in Chandrapur, Maharashtra which supports national programs including sickle cell disease.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Government e Marketplace (GeM) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day. Launched in 2016 to promote transparent, inclusive and efficient public procurement in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” the platform has grown into a digital procurement system connecting sellers and service providers across the country, including women entrepreneurs, startups, micro and small enterprises (MSEs), artisans, self-help groups (SHGs) and Divyangjans. In FY 2024–25, it recorded transactions worth ₹5.4 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV).
This year’s Foundation Day celebration were held on the theme Ease, Access and Inclusion. Key reforms announced include the elimination of caution money for sellers, rationalisation of vendor assessment fees and a reduction in transaction charges, resulting in exemption for 97 per cent of orders. These measures are aimed at making public procurement more accessible and equitable.
“These reforms demonstrate our intent to make GeM even more inclusive and accessible,” said Chief Executive Officer, GeM, Shri Mihir Kumar. “Our focus remains on ensuring every enterprise, from tribal artisans to tech-driven startups, can easily access public procurement opportunities.”
To mark the occasion, a GeM Seller Samvad was organised on 6th August 2025 at the GeM office in New Delhi, bringing together participants from different sectors. GeM Manthan, a dialogue programme, was also held to discuss measures for building a more inclusive and future-ready procurement system. The platform supports paperless, real-time transactions and facilitates contracts in sectors such as health, mining and insurance, linking policy implementation with participation from stakeholders at various levels.
GeM uses AI-powered tools and a multilingual Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate access to public procurement. Features such as voice-enabled navigation and region-specific training modules support onboarding and transactions for sellers, including those in remote and underserved areas.
Over the past nine years, GeM has recorded notable achievements, including ₹5.4 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in FY 2024–25, onboarding 1.5 lakh women-led enterprises along with startups, self-help groups (SHGs), artisans and micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The platform has implemented technology-driven procurement processes for faster and more cost-effective transactions, expanded into new service verticals such as insurance, manpower and Mine Development & Operations (MDOs), and extended training and onboarding support to state governments, public sector undertakings and local bodies.
As India moves towards a Digital Bharat, GeM is adopting AI and next-generation technologies to improve procurement processes, strengthen transparency, enhance user experience and promote sustainability. The platform continues to focus on expanding access and participation in public procurement.
About GeM
The Government e Marketplace is India’s national public procurement portal with a mission to enhance transparency, efficiency and inclusivity in procurement. It is a fully digital, cashless and system-driven platform that offers an end-to-end solution for all government buyers and sellers. GeM is committed to transforming the way India procures goods and services by making procurement smart, inclusive and sustainable.
Prices of drugs in India are regulated as per the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (“DPCO, 2013”). The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) fixes ceiling prices of scheduled medicines specified in the First Schedule to DPCO, 2013. Further, as per the provisions of DPCO, 2013, the ceiling prices of scheduled medicines are revised annually based on Wholesale Price Index (All commodities) for the preceding calendar year, on or before the 1st of April of every year. All manufacturers, importers and marketers of scheduled medicines are required to sell their products within the ceiling price plus applicable local taxes. NPPA also fixes retail prices of “new drugs”, that is, formulations launched by existing manufacturers of a medicine listed in NLEM by combining it with another drug, or by changing the strength or dosage or both of such medicine. Further, DPCO, 2013 also provides for fixation of prices of drugs in public interest under extraordinary circumstances and monitoring of price increase of non-scheduled drugs. Accordingly, prices of drugs, particularly drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions are regulated in the following manner:
Details of prices fixed by NPPA are available on its website (www.nppa.gov.in).
The Standing National Committee on Medicines (SNCM), consisting of all stakeholders and experts, carefully evaluates the relative safety, efficacy, availability and affordability of medicines from each therapeutic class, consults all stakeholders and considers WHO’s Essential Medicines List, drugs used in national health programmes, Indian Pharmacopoeia, National Formulary, etc., to recommend drugs for inclusion in NLEM. Based on the said recommendations, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare publishes NLEM, which is notified as the First Schedule to DPCO, 2013. SNCM reviews and revises NLEM from time to time to address the issues of changing disease prevalence, treatment modalities, introduction of newer medicines and identification of unacceptable risk-benefit profile as well as therapeutic profile of medicine. Drugs under NLEM are categorised under therapeutic groups and no categorisation of drugs as life-saving drugs is made.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme product basket, 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical, medical consumables and devices are available, covering all major therapeutic groups, such as cardiovascular, anti-cancers, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines and nutraceuticals. Almost all generic medicines included in NLEM, except lab reagents and vaccines, are included in the scheme product basket.
To spread awareness about the scheme throughout the country, including in the State of Tamil Nadu, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, which is the scheme implementing agency, regularly undertakes number of activities, including issuance of advertisements in various modes, such as the print media, radio, television, mobile application, cinema, hoardings, branding of bus queue shelters and buses, auto wrapping and television screens at Common Service Centres, outreach through social media platforms and celebration of Jan Aushadhi Diwas on the 7th of March every year.
As on 30.6.2025, 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened across the country under the scheme, of which 1,432 JAKs have been opened in the State of Tamil Nadu, including 20 JAKs in Karur district, 40 in Dindigul district, 71 in Tiruchirappalli district and 32 in Pudukottai district.
During last five years, that is, during the period from 1.4.2020 to 31.3.2025, 436 cases of overcharging have been initiated by NPPA and an amount of ₹133.19 crore has been recovered from the companies concerned during the same period. Detailed list of overcharging cases where demand notices have been issued is available on the website of NPPA (www.nppa.gov.in ).
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question today.
Sale and distribution of drugs including painkillers and psychotropic drugs are regulated by the State Licencing Authorities (SLAs) appointed by State Government under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the rules made thereunder. SLAs are empowered under the said Act and rules for implementation of its provisions and monitoring and in case of non-compliance, they may take action in accordance with the provisions of the said Act and rules.
Further, with a view to comprehensively regulate online sale of medicines, the Government of India has published draft rules vide its notification dated 28.8.2018, inviting comments from public and stakeholders on amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945 for incorporating provisions relating to regulation of sale and distribution of drugs through e-pharmacy.
The draft rules contain provisions for registration of e-pharmacy, periodic inspection of e-pharmacy, procedure for distribution or sale of drugs through e-pharmacy, prohibition of advertisement of drugs through e-pharmacy, complaint redressal mechanism, monitoring of e-pharmacy, etc.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question today.
The Government of India has taken multiple steps to strengthen the public healthcare system in the country to provide accessible and affordable health services to all citizens.
The National Health Mission (NHM) envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable & quality healthcare services that are accountable and responsive to people’s needs. NHM encompasses its two Sub-Missions, the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). The main programmatic components include Health System Strengthening in rural and urban areas, Reproductive-Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), Health Systems Strengthening, and Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases.
In February 2018, the Government of India announced the establishment of 1,50,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs), erstwhile Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), across the country by December 2022. A total of 1,77,906 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established and operationalized as on 30th June 2025, by transforming existing Sub-Health Centres (SHC) and Primary Health Centres (PHC) in rural and urban areas to deliver the expanded range of comprehensive primary healthcare services with complete 12 package of services that includes preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services which are universal, free, and closer to the community.
Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with some Central Sector Components (CS), which has an outlay of Rs. 64,180 Crores for the scheme period (2021-22 to 2025-26). The measures under the PM-ABHIM focus on developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels–primary, secondary, and tertiary– to prepare health systems in responding effectively to the current and future pandemics/disasters. Administrative approvals have been accorded to States/UTs for FY 2021-26 for an amount of Rs. 33,081.82 Crore for the construction/strengthening of 10609 Building less-AAMs, 5456 Urban-AAMs, 2151 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs), 744 Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHLs) at the District level, and 621 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs).
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a flagship scheme of the Government which provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 12 crore families, constituting the economically vulnerable bottom 40% of India’s population. On 29.10.2024, the scheme was further extended to cover 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above, representing 4.5 crore families, through the Vay Vandana Card, irrespective of their socio-economic status.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched various digital initiatives. One of the major initiatives is Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), launched in September 2021. ABDM aims to create an online platform enabling interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem. The aim of this mission is to create an Electronic Health Record (EHR) of every citizen. ABDM envisages developing the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country. The core components of the Mission include Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) for citizens, Health Professional Registry (HPR), Health Facility Registry (HFR), and ABHA Application. The digital health ecosystem created by ABDM supports continuity of care across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare in a seamless manner.
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) aims to correct regional imbalances in the availability of affordable tertiary healthcare services and to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. The scheme has two components, namely, (i) setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), (ii) Upgradation of existing Government Medical Colleges/Institutions (GMCIs). So far, the setting up of 22 new AIIMS and 75 projects of upgradation of GMCIs have been approved under the scheme in various phases.
The government has increased the number of Medical Colleges, Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) seats. There is an increase in Medical Colleges from 387 to 780; UG seats from 51,348 to 1,15,900, and PG seats from 31,185 to 74,306 from 2014 to date.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
In line with Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s call for students to “spend one day as a scientist”, the Department of Health Research (DHR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) organized a nationwide open day titled S.H.I.N.E. – Science, Health and Innovation for Nextgen Explorers across its institutes and DHR- Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRUs) on 7th and 8th August 2025.
The event welcomed 13,150 students in grades 9-12, drawing participants from over 300 schools across 39 districts in 16 states and union territories to various ICMR institutes. The initiative aimed to introduce students to the field of health and biomedical research, highlight ICMR’s contributions to improving the nation’s health, and motivate young learners to pursue careers in science and public health, supporting India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, DHR & Director General, ICMR stated, “this is a unique initiative of ICMR to ignite scientific curiosity, foster innovation and inspire the next generation of health researchers.”. He emphasized the importance of scientific temper, innovation, and youth engagement in shaping the future of Indian research and healthcare. “Today is not just a visit, it’s an invitation to step into the shoes of a scientist,” Dr Bahl said while addressing the students. “We want you to observe, question, and experience firsthand the spirit of scientific inquiry. Engage with our scientists, explore the labs, and witness the strides India has made in medical and health research. This is how we shape a Viksit Bharat — through curiosity, evidence, and ambition,” he added.
The programme included a range of interactive activities such as guided laboratory tours, research exhibitions, poster walks, video presentations, and live demonstrations of ongoing scientific work. The students also had the opportunity to interact with ICMR scientists, gaining insights into their research journeys, areas of expertise, and everyday work in public health. To make the experience more engaging, a mascot named Dr. Curio was introduced as a friendly and relatable guide for the students throughout the day.
In addition, students viewed four specially curated short films highlighting ICMR’s key initiatives: the development of Covaxin-India’s indigenous Vaccine, the iDRONE initiative for innovative healthcare delivery, India’s TB elimination efforts, and Vishanu Yudh Abhyas - a nation-wide mock drill to assess future pandemic preparedness.
Notably, 8th of August also marked the 104th birth anniversary of Dr. Vulimiri Ramalingaswami, a distinguished Indian medical scientist, pathologist, medical writer, and Director General of ICMR. His legacy continues to inspire generations of researchers and added significance to the occasion.
Through the S.H.I.N.E. initiative, ICMR reaffirmed its commitment to fostering scientific curiosity among young learners and promoting awareness of the vital role of research in advancing public health.
The Government of India enhances street food safety through rigorous inspections, awareness campaigns, and enforcement through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). FSSAI is mandated to lay down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.
Section 31 (1) and 31 (2) of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006 provide that no person shall commence or carry on any Food Business except under a license/registration, whichever is applicable. Therefore, all Food Business Operators (FBOs) have to comply with prescribed standards and the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration) Regulations, 2011. Every FBO has to follow the Schedule 4 sanitary and hygienic requirements and other requirements as prescribed under above mentioned regulation based on the type and scale of the food business. The sub-regulation 2.1.1. (6) of the Regulation mandates food safety inspection of Registered Petty Food Manufacturers once a year by the Registering Authority or any officer or agency specifically authorized for the purpose.
Further, FSSAI, through State/ UTs and its regional offices, conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products to check compliance with the standards laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. In case the food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal action is initiated against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per provisions of the FSS Act, Rules and Regulations made thereunder. The details of the inspections conducted for the last three years are given below, and State-wise details are as below:
Total Inspections conducted, State/UT, and year-wise
| State | FY 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 |
| Andaman And Nicobar Islands | 1454 | 796 | 515 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 534 | 611 | 443 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| Assam | 4 | 255 | 28 |
| Bihar | 1 | 14 | 0 |
| Chandigarh | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Chhattisgarh | 350 | 545 | 963 |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu | 214 | 51 | 19 |
| Delhi | 24 | 41 | 30 |
| Goa | 1204 | 1273 | 1462 |
| Gujarat | 643 | 852 | 1535 |
| Haryana | 470 | 341 | 33 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 587 | 173 | 155 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 5396 | 3023 | 2703 |
| Jharkhand | 46 | 49 | 201 |
| Karnataka | 1602 | 3591 | 6367 |
| Kerala | 4802 | 10229 | 12105 |
| Ladakh | 119 | 72 | 219 |
| Lakshadweep | 0 | 3 | 16 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1534 | 2711 | 3941 |
| Maharashtra | 1841 | 1436 | 1071 |
| Manipur | 113 | 70 | 84 |
| Meghalaya | 4 | 54 | 199 |
| Mizoram | 0 | 0 | 35 |
| Nagaland | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Orissa | 1212 | 1460 | 968 |
| Puducherry | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Punjab | 262 | 159 | 148 |
| Rajasthan | 107 | 1023 | 2259 |
| Sikkim | 142 | 110 | 0 |
| Tamil Nadu | 5409 | 3742 | 3053 |
| Telangana | 329 | 227 | 54 |
| Tripura | 1 | 70 | 68 |
| Uttarakhand | 559 | 294 | 373 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 9605 | 8483 | 12909 |
| West Bengal | 725 | 998 | 716 |
To enhance awareness and promote safe food practices among food handlers, including street food vendors, FSSAI launched the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme in 2017. This initiative offers training in food safety and standards for individuals engaged in food business, whether as food business operators or employees. Under FoSTaC, a specialized awareness course titled “Street Food Vending” has been developed. Till now, more than 3 lakh street food vendors across the country have been trained through this programme.
FSSAI is carrying out a nationwide initiative, “Eat Right India movement” to ensure food safety and hygiene for all citizens. It is a collective effort to transform the food ecosystem of the country. Under this initiative, Eat Right certificates are awarded to ensure food safety and hygiene in places where food is prepared or served.
FSSAI has designed the Eat Right Street Food Hub certification programme to educate people about food safety and hygiene at Food Streets. It is a cluster-based initiative, where food vendors are educated to maintain the food safety standards. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials are provided to display, enhancing visibility, building consumer trust, and encouraging one and all to eat safe and hygienic. There are 405 Eat Right Street Food Hubs certified under Eat Right India.
Further, to extend outreach for on-the-spot food testing and dissemination of food safety information in remote areas, FSSAI has introduced Mobile Food Testing Laboratories (MFTLs) to all the States and UTs. The three key activities of the MFTLs are:
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
The healthcare infrastructure of the country involves a three-tier system with Sub Health Centre (Rural), Primary Health Centre (Urban and Rural) and Community Health Centre (Urban and Rural) as the three pillars of the Primary Health Care System in India. National Health Mission (NHM) envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care services that are accountable and responsive to the needs of the population, including OBC, SC and ST populations.
As per established norms, in rural areas a Sub Health Centre for a population of 5,000 (in plain) and 3000 (in hilly and tribal area), a Primary Health Centre for a population of 30,000 (in plains) and 20,000 (in hilly and tribal areas) and Community Health Centre for a population of 1,20,000 (in plain) and 80,000 (in hilly and tribal area) is suggested. Further, for urban areas, one Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandir is recommended for an urban population of 15,000 to 20,000, one Urban-Primary Health Centre (U-PHC) for an urban population of 30,000 to 50,000, one Urban-Community Health Centre (U-CHC) for every 2.5 lakh population in non-metro cities (above 5 lakh population), and one U-CHC for every 5 lakhs population in the metro cities.
The population norms for setting up SHCs, PHCs and CHCs in tribal and hilly areas have been relaxed from 5,000, 30,000, and 1,20,000 to 3000, 20,000, and 80,000, respectively.
As per Health Dynamics of India (HDI) 2022-23, details of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals operational in the country may be seen at the following link : https://mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/Health%20Dynamics%20of%20India%20%28Infrastructure%20%26%20Human%20Resources%29%202022-23_RE%20%281%29.pdf.
Under NHM, the following types of incentives and honorarium are provided for encouraging Health Specialists to practice in different regions of the country, including rural and remote areas of the country:
Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) provide primary healthcare services to remote, tribal, and underserved populations, which also include OBC, SC, and ST populations. These MMUs function as mobile clinics, delivering preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare to areas lacking easy access to hospitals or health centers. As per NHM MIS December 2024, there are a total of 1498 MMUs operational in the country, including OBC, SC, and ST population areas under NHM. Out of these 1498 MMUs, a total of 694 MMUs are currently operational in areas with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), providing both preventive and curative care.
Through the National Health Mission (NHM), the government has implemented various programs to improve maternal and child health services and outcomes, including OBC, SC and ST populations throughout the country. These initiatives to reduce Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) include Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN), Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA), Mothers’ Absolute Affection (MAA), Setting up of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Wings, Birth Waiting Homes (BWH), Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB), Facility-Based Newborn Care, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), Community-based care of Newborn and Young Children, STOP Diarrhoea initiative, Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs), and Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
One-time financial assistance of up to Rs. 15 lakh is provided for the treatment of poor patients, suffering from cancer under the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) component of the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), who are living below State/UT-wise threshold poverty line (offline mode) and also for the treatment of those poor patients who belong to those States/UTs the National Food Security Act (NFSA) data of which is integrated on National Health Authority (NHA)’s IT platform (online mode).
Patients can apply for financial assistance under the Umbrella Scheme of RAN through either offline or online modes. Offline submission of applications can be made through any Government hospital by patients belonging to those States/UTs, the NFSA data of which is not integrated on the National Health Authority (NHA)’s IT platform. For online mode (for States/UTs which are integrated on NHA’s IT platform), the Government hospital generates the RAN ID of the eligible patient and, subsequently, the application is processed further through the Transaction Management System (TMS). Upon approval, confirmation is sent to the bank for reserving the funds for the patient, and treatment commences. Antyodaya beneficiaries from States/UTs where the National Food Security Act (NFSA) data has been integrated with the National Health Authority’s (NHA) IT platform, as well as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) beneficiaries requiring treatment not covered under AB PM-JAY, are eligible to avail benefits under the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) through the online mode.
Financial assistance for eligible patients is released to the treating hospitals/institutes. Since the funds are released on a case-by-case basis in both online and offline modes, State/ UT-wise data is not maintained centrally. An amount of Rs. 27.06 Crores was disbursed under the Umbrella Scheme of RAN, which includes a component of HMCPF in 2024-25. A total of 134 poor patients have benefited through the said scheme in 2025-2026 (till 16.07.2025) with an amount of Rs. 9.14 Crores disbursed.
Offline applications are required to be in the prescribed proforma, duly signed by the treating doctor and countersigned by the Medical Superintendent of the Government hospital, along with the Income Certificate and Ration Card of the family is required to be submitted for seeking financial assistance under RAN. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card and Aadhaar card are required for processing of applications through online mode. The process of cases under RAN involves various stages of action, i.e. scrutiny of the application, placing the matter before the Technical Committee, for administrative and financial approvals.
The financial assistance is provided for treatment of the patients at Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs)/Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs), State Cancer Institutes (SCIs), and other government hospitals/institutes having cancer treatment facilities.
More information on the Umbrella Scheme of Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi can be accessed at the link: https://mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/Major-Programmes/poor-patients-financial-support
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) are under Open General License (OGL). The fertilizer companies are free to import / manufacture these fertilizers as per their business dynamics. The details of DAP imported and sold during 2023-24 and 2024-25 are as under:
| Year | PoS sale of DAP (in LMT) | Total Import (in LMT) |
| 2023-24 | 109.72 | 56.71 |
| 2024-25 | 96.29 | 49.72 |
In October 2021 China amended its catalogue of commodities requiring mandatory additional inspection prior to export of fertilizer-related items, including DAP.
Under NBS Scheme, MRP is fixed by fertilizer companies as per market dynamics at reasonable level which is monitored by the Government. However, to ensure smooth and affordable supply, special provisions like Rs. 3500 per MT to cover ‘Other Costs’ which includes costs incurred from factory gate to farm gate, advantage / disadvantage due to increase / decrease in international prices, provision for GST component included in the MRP and provision for reasonable return @ 4% of net MRP (MRP-GST) have been extended to both imported and domestic DAP and imported TSP over and above NBS subsidy for Kharif 2025 season.
To reduce import dependency and promote nutrient self-sufficiency, India is encouraging the development and adoption of innovative fertilizers such as nano-fertilizers (e.g., nano-urea), customized and fortified fertilizers (e.g., sulphur-coated urea, zinc-enriched DAP), biofertilizers, and slow- or controlled-release formulations. These innovations enhance nutrient use efficiency, reduce application rates, and minimize nutrient losses, thereby decreasing the demand for imported fertilizers. Government of India, under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, has notified various Nano Nitrogen fertilizers. These include IFFCO's Nano Urea Plus containing 16% nitrogen, notified on 15 April 2024 vide Gazette Notification S.O. 1801(E); Zuari Farm Hub's Nano Urea (8%), notified on 2 March 2023 vide S.O. 1026(E); and Ray Nano & Research Centre's Nano Urea (4.4%), notified on 6 March 2023 vide S.O. 1144(Ε).
Similarly, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), through Gazette Notifications S.O. 1025(E) and S.O. 1026(E) dated 2nd March 2023, authorized M/s IFFCO and CIL respectively to manufacture Nano DAP. Additionally, Nano DAP developed by Zuari Farm Hub Ltd. has also been notified under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) via Gazette Notification S.O. 5077(E) dated 29th November 2023, while Nano DAP developed by Natural Plant Protection Limited was similarly notified under the FCO through Gazette Notification S.O. 1785(E) dated 22nd April 2024.
To promote the use of Nano Fertilizers among farmers, a number of initiatives which include awareness activities such as camps, webinars, (nukkad nataks, field demonstrations, Kisan Sammelans and screening of films in regional languages have been undertaken. Nano Fertilizers, including Nano Urea, are being made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by the concerned companies. Additionally, Nano Fertilizers have been included in the monthly supply plan issued regularly by the Department of Fertilizers.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), through the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, has recently organized a national campaign on “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizers (including Nano-fertilizers).” For facilitating application through foliar application, initiatives such as the use of ‘Kisan Drones’ and the distribution of battery-operated sprayers at retail points have been undertaken. Pilot training and custom hiring spraying services through Village Level Entrepreneurs are also being actively promoted.
Furthermore, the Department of Fertilizers (DoF), in collaboration with fertilizer companies, has launched a ‘Maha Abhiyan’ for the adoption of Nano DAP across all 15 agro-climatic zones through stakeholder consultations and field-level demonstrations. A campaign for field demonstrations and awareness on Nano Urea Plus has also been launched across 100 districts in the country.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question today.