Under the National Health Mission, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs including strengthening of health care system based on the proposals received in the form of Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) under National Health Mission. Government of India provides approval for the proposal in the form of Record of Proceedings (RoPs) as per norms & available resources.
The Government of India has successfully implemented the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) which is a comprehensive framework established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aimed at ensuring and enhancing the quality of healthcare services provided at public health facilities.
NQAS provides a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing the quality of care in public health facilities by focusing on areas such as service provision, patient rights, inputs, support services, clinical care, infection control, quality management. This lead to better patient outcomes and increased public trust in healthcare services.
Pradhan Mantri-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has been launched with an outlay of ₹64,180 crore over five years (FY 2021–26). The mission focuses on strengthening the capacities of health systems across all levels—primary, secondary, and tertiary care—to ensure effective response to current and future pandemics and disasters
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) components of PM-ABHIM, provision has been made to provide support for establishment of 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) 50/100 bedded in all the districts with population of more than 5 lakhs during the scheme period i.e. from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 including the ICU beds.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
All States are encouraged to establish PM Ekta Mall (Unity Mall), announced in the Union Budget 2023-24, for the promotion and sale of ODOP products (One District, One Product), Geographical Indication (GI) products, and other handicrafts from across the country. The Proposed Mall has provision for dedicated space for each Union Territory and State to display their ODOP products. In the fiscal year 2023-24, under Part- VI (Unity Mall) of the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 (SASCI)’ of Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance Rs.5000 Cr was allocated for construction of PM Ekta Malls in all States. Under which upon recommendation of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Department of Expenditure has approved Detailed Project Reports’ (DPRs) of 27 States
The details of fund sanctioned/released is as below:
| S.No | States | Place where PM Ekta Mall being constructed | Amount sanctioned by DOE, FY 2023-24(In Crores) |
| 1 | AndhraPradesh | Visakhapatnam | 172 |
| 2 | ArunachalPradesh | Itanagar | 188 |
| 3 | Assam | Guwahati | 226 |
| 4 | Bihar | Patna | 212.689 |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | Raipur | 200.77 |
| 6 | Goa | Chimbel | 100 |
| 7 | Gujarat | Surat | 202 |
| 8 | Haryana | Karnal | 155 |
| 9 | HimachalPradesh | Dharamshala | 132 |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Ranchi | 162.92 |
| 11 | Karnataka | Mysuru | 192.99106 |
| 12 | Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | 120 |
| 13 | MadhyaPradesh | Ujjain | 284 |
| 14 | Maharashtra | Navi Mumbai | 195.136 |
| 15 | Manipur | Imphal | 149 |
| 16 | Meghalaya | New Shillong | 132 |
| 17 | Mizoram | Aizawl | 127 |
| 18 | Nagaland | Chumukedima | 145 |
| 19 | Odisha | Bhubaneshwar | 187.12 |
| 20 | Punjab | Amritsar | 159 |
| 21 | Rajasthan | Jaipur | 202 |
| 22 | Sikkim | Gangtok | 106 |
| 23 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai | 223 |
| 24 | Telangana | Hyderabad | 202 |
| 25 | Tripura | Agartala | 114 |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi | 370.247 |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | Haridwar | 136 |
| Total | 4795.87306 |
The SASCI guidelines issued by the Department of Expenditure provided for an amount of Rs. 5000 crore for setting up of one Ekta Mall per State, to be set up preferably in the State-capital, on a ‘first come first serve basis’. The guidelines also have a provision for considering setting up of the Unity Mall in the financial-capital or a prominent tourism Centre of the State. An amount of Rs.5,000 crore has been earmarked for the Scheme. This will be provided to the States on 'First-come First-served basis. Exception has been given to the State of U.P, being a large state, to construct 3 Ekta Malls within the allocated budget. The land for the mall is made available by the State Government free of cost or the cost of acquisition of the land is borne by the State Government.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
As per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) -I (2009-10) and GATS-2 (2016-17) conducted among age group of 15 years and above there is a decline in tobacco use among women from 20.3% to 14.2%. Further, Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted for school-going children of age group 13-15 years reported a decline in tobacco use from 14.6% (GYTS-3, 2009) to 8.5% (GYTS-4, 2019).
The measures taken by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to reduce tobacco consumption are:
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme, a total of 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 30.6.2025. State- and Union-territory-wise number of JAKs opened is at Annexure.
2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables and devices are under the scheme product basket, covering all major therapeutic groups, such as cardiovascular, anti-cancers, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines and nutraceuticals. Almost all generic medicines included in the National List of Essential Medicines, except lab reagents and vaccines, are included in the scheme product basket.
For smooth supply and product availability at JAKs, an end-to-end IT-enabled supply chain system has been established, comprising a central warehouse, four regional warehouses and 39 distributors appointed across the country. Availability of 400 fast-moving products is monitored regularly to ensure their availability. Further, a minimum stocking mandate has been implemented for 200 medicines consisting of the 100 top-selling medicines in the scheme product basket and 100 fast-selling medicines in the market. Under the stocking mandate, the JAK owners become eligible for claiming incentive based on stocks of the said 200 medicines maintained by them.
The government has launched the scheme to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all. As a result of the scheme, in the last 11 years, estimated savings of about ₹38,000 crore have accrued to citizens in comparison to the prices of branded medicines, contributing significantly to the sharp reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure by households from 62.6% of total health expenditure in financial year (FY) 2014-15 to 39.4% in FY2021-22 as per the National Health Accounts Estimates. With a view to further expand reach to Janaushadhi medicine and thereby reduce out-of-pocket expenditure, the Government has set a target to open 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027. In opening of JAKs, the Government has adopted a franchisee-like model, in which online applications from individual entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, societies, trusts, firms, private companies, etc. are invited online through the website of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (www.janaushadhi.gov.in) from across the country, including in various blocks and tehsils.
Annexure
State- and Union-territory-wise number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) opened
| S. No. | State / Union territory | Total number of JAKs opened till 30.6.2025 |
| 1 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 9 |
| 2 | Andhra Pradesh | 281 |
| 3 | Arunachal Pradesh | 35 |
| 4 | Assam | 179 |
| 5 | Bihar | 900 |
| 6 | Chandigarh | 14 |
| 7 | Chhattisgarh | 316 |
| 8 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | 40 |
| 9 | Delhi | 552 |
| 10 | Goa | 22 |
| 11 | Gujarat | 812 |
| 12 | Haryana | 465 |
| 13 | Himachal Pradesh | 75 |
| 14 | Jammu and Kashmir | 335 |
| 15 | Jharkhand | 163 |
| 16 | Karnataka | 1,480 |
| 17 | Kerala | 1,629 |
| 18 | Ladakh | 2 |
| 19 | Lakshadweep | 1 |
| 20 | Madhya Pradesh | 592 |
| 21 | Maharashtra | 723 |
| 22 | Manipur | 61 |
| 23 | Meghalaya | 26 |
| 24 | Mizoram | 15 |
| 25 | Nagaland | 22 |
| 26 | Odisha | 753 |
| 27 | Puducherry | 33 |
| 28 | Punjab | 520 |
| 29 | Rajasthan | 545 |
| 30 | Sikkim | 12 |
| 31 | Tamil Nadu | 1,432 |
| 32 | Telangana | 203 |
| 33 | Tripura | 31 |
| 34 | Uttar Pradesh | 3,550 |
| 35 | Uttarakhand | 331 |
| 36 | West Bengal | 753 |
| Total | 16,912 | |
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question today.
The Government of India is not directly involved in setting up of Nano-Fertilizers Plants across the country. Overall 7 Nano Urea plants have been set up by Fertilizer Companies with total production capacity of all these Nano Urea plants presently in operation is 27.22 crore bottles (500 ml each) per annum. Further, 3 Nano DAP plants have been set up by Fertilizer Companies with total production capacity of all these Nano DAP plants presently in operation is 7.64 crore bottles (500 ml each) per annum. Since inception, fertilizer companies have sold 10.68 crore bottles (500 ml each) of Nano Urea and 2.75 crore bottles (500 ml each) of Nano DAP across all regions of the nation, including tribal-dominated regions.
In addition to this, PSUs and other Fertilizer Companies have intimated about setting up of 3 more Nano Fertilizers Plants, with total production capacity of 17 Crore bottles (500 ml equivalent) per annum.
In order to promote the use of Nano Fertilizers among farmers across the Nation, the following steps have been taken:
i. The Government of India has pursued with the states on use of Nano fertilizer at various forums. In the Zonal conference for assessment of fertilizers for Kharif 2024 season, held from 5th February to 9th February, 2024, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) requested the State Governments to promote the use of nano fertiliser in their states through their extension machinery.
ii. DA&FW during the Rabi, 2024-25 season assessed the requirements of Nano Urea and Nano DAP. DA&FW vide letter dated 3rd July, 2023 informed all the State Govt. / UTS /ICAR institutes to include FCO approved application of Nano-fertilizers as critical inputs in the cafeteria of interventions for demonstrations (Cluster Demonstrations/ Block Demonstrations/ Cluster Front Line Demonstrations/ Front Line Demonstrations) to be conducted under NFSM/ NMEO as per SAUs/ ICARs recommended package of practices.
iii. Use of Nano Urea is promoted through different activities such as awareness camps, webinars, field demonstrations, Kisan Sammelans and films in regional languages etc.
iv. Nano Urea and Nano DAP are made available at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by concerned companies.
v. Nano Urea has been included under the monthly supply plan issued by the Department of Fertilizers (DoF) regularly.
vi. ICAR through Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal recently organized a National Campaign on “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizer (including Nano-fertilizers)”.
vii. For ease in application and utilization of Nano fertilizers like Nano Urea through foliar application, initiatives such as innovative spraying options like 'Kisan Drones' and distribution of battery operated Sprayers at retail points are undertaken. For this purpose, pilot training and custom hiring spraying services through Village Level Entrepreneurs are actively promoted.
viii. DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has initiated a Maha Abhiyan for adoption of Nano DAP in all 15 agro-climatic zones of the country through consultations and field level demonstrations. Further, DoF in collaboration with fertilizer companies has also launched campaigns for field level demonstrations and awareness programs of Nano Urea plus in 100 districts of the country.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Smt Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question today.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ather Energy Limited, an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer, to accelerate the growth of India’s clean mobility and advanced manufacturing sectors. The collaboration is being undertaken as part of the Build in Bharat initiative led by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a coalition of over 50 innovation-focused startups.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive partnership between DPIIT and Ather Energy that will focus on strategic mentorship for deep-tech startups, infrastructure support for startups in the EV value chain, joint innovation programs such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, co-hosted talent and skill development initiatives, and participation in events like Startup Mahakumbh along with on-ground exposure visits.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv Singh, and Co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta. The initiative is expected to support India’s transition towards sustainable transport and create a more enabling environment for manufacturing-oriented startups.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv Singh said, “The electric mobility sector in India is entering a transformative phase. Through this partnership with Ather Energy, we aim to catalyse the development of an enabling environment where startups can contribute meaningfully to EV manufacturing, battery innovation, and clean energy solutions.”
Co-founder and CEO, Ather Energy, Tarun Mehta said, “We are happy to collaborate with DPIIT to strengthen support systems for hardware and deep-tech startups. With policy support and stronger industry participation, this initiative can help founders tackle core technology challenges and scale high-quality products from India.”
President and CEO, Startup Policy Forum, Shweta Rajpal Kohli said, “This partnership between DPIIT and Ather Energy brings to life the Startup Policy Forum’s Build in Bharat initiative. Unlocking the potential of India's manufacturing sector through collaboration is key to building a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.”
This collaboration is expected to provide new opportunities for startups in the EV and manufacturing space, contributing to a future-ready and self-reliant startup ecosystem aligned with India’s climate and industrial goals.
On 29th October 2024, the Government of India expanded the scope of the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Under this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free treatment benefits of up to ₹5 lakh per year through Ayushman Vay Vandana cards.
In addition, the portability feature of AB-PMJAY allows eligible beneficiaries—including those under the Vay Vandana scheme—to access healthcare services at any of the 31,466 empanelled hospitals across the country, regardless of their place of residence. This ensures seamless and equitable access to quality healthcare for the elderly population nationwide.
Vay Vandana scheme beneficiaries can also avail treatment through a vast network of 14,194 private healthcare providers empanelled under the scheme. To ensure quality and consistency in service delivery, the National Health Authority (NHA) has issued comprehensive Hospital Empanelment and Management (HEM) Guidelines for the empanelment of hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
As on date, over 1.06 lakh claims have been settled under Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme since its launch.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
As of July 2025, a total of 4,361 thalassemia patients have been registered nationwide on sickle cell portal, with 2,579 of them being children under the age of 12.
In 2023, a dedicated thalassemia module was integrated into the Sickle Cell Portal to enable states to enter records of existing thalassemia patients. Regular monitoring, follow-up, and data entry for screening are being carried out on the National Portal, strengthening surveillance and care for thalassemia patients across the country.
The primary responsibility of management of Thalassemia along with raising awareness lies with the respective State/UT Governments. However, under National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare system including support for prevention and management of Thalassemia at public healthcare facilities, provision of Blood Bank facilities, Day Care Centre, Medicines, Lab services, IEC activities and training of HR etc. based on the proposals submitted by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans.
Union Health Ministry, in association with Coal India limited (CIL), is implementing a scheme namely Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY) wherein financial assistance up to Rs.10 lakh is provided to eligible patients for Bone Marrow transplants (BMT) from CIL Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. This scheme provides for BMT in 17 empanelled hospitals spread across the country.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has achieved a major milestone in women’s health withover 10.18 crore women aged 30 years and above screened for cervical cancer across the country. This achievement is part of the population-based initiative for screening, prevention, and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) through the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs).
The initiative targets women aged 30 to 65 years, with screening primarily done using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) at Sub-Health Centres and Primary Health Centres under AAM by trained health workers. VIA-positive cases are referred to higher centres for further diagnostic evaluation.
At the grassroots level, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a critical role by using Community Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) forms to identify individuals at risk and facilitate their participation in regular health check-ups and screenings at AAMs. ASHAs also help generate awareness about the importance of early detection and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication campaigns at the community level further support the preventive aspect of cancer control. Events such as National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day are observed regularly. Additionally, the use of print, electronic, and social media platforms ensures continuous public engagement on NCDs including cervical cancer.
Under NHM, States and Union Territories are provided with dedicated funds for awareness generation activities as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).
The Ministry had also launched a time-bound NCD Screening Campaign from 20th February to 31st March 2025, to accelerate screening efforts for individuals aged 30 years and above. The success of this campaign has contributed to the current achievement.
As of 20th July 2025, data from the National NCD Portal indicates that 10.18 crore women out of an eligible population of 25.42 crore females aged 30 years and above have been screened for cervical cancer—reflecting the government’s strong commitment to comprehensive and preventive healthcare deliverythrough Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
The Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana scheme to make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all. Under the scheme, dedicated outlets known as Jan Aushadhi Kendras are opened across the country to provide medicines at rates that are about 50% to 80% cheaper than those of branded medicines, resulting in savings of about ₹38,000 crore to citizens in comparison to the prices of branded medicines. 2,110 medicines and 315 surgicals, medical consumables and devices are available under the scheme product basket, covering all major therapeutic groups, such as cardiovascular, anti-cancers, anti-diabetic, anti-infectives, anti-allergic and gastro-intestinal medicines and nutraceuticals.
Under the scheme, a total of 16,912 Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) have been opened till 30.6.2025, out of which 1,432 Kendras have been opened in the State of Tamil Nadu. Government has decided to increase the number of JAKs opened to 20,000 by 31.3.2026. There is no State- and Union-territory-wise target for opening of new JAKs.
To spread awareness about the scheme and the benefits of generic medicines, and to address implementation challenges that may arise due to lack of awareness, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India, the scheme implementing agency, regularly undertakes several activities including the following measures:
In addition, as per information obtained from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Directorate General of Health Services has directed all Central Government hospitals to prescribe generic medicines only, and similar instructions have also been issued to prescribe drugs with generic name to all Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) doctors and wellness centres. Further, paragraph 1.5 of the Code of Medical Ethics in the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 stipulates that every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters and he/she shall ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs, and the Medical Council of India has issued circulars dated 22.11.2012, 18.1.2013 and 21.4.2017 directing all registered medical practitioners to comply with the same. States have also been advised to ensure prescription of generic drugs in public health facilities.
It has been decided to expand the product basket under the scheme to 2,200 medicines and 320 surgicals, medical consumables and devices by 31.3.2026. Stringent measures as specified below are in place to ensure that the medicines supplied through Jan Aushadhi Kendras meet standards:
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.