HEALTH
Congress was the first political party to acknowledge that health of the people and healthcare are the responsibility of the government. Congress introduced the first healthcare scheme in India and firmly believes that all citizens have the Right to Health.
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17. A National Mission on Immunisation will be taken up. Only 76 per cent of Indian children receive full immunisation. Congress will ensure full immunisation of 100 per cent of children within 5 years.
Related healthcare commitments and context:
18. Nutritional deficiency among children will be addressed to rapidly reduce the incidents of stunting and wasting. We will expand the mid-day meal scheme up to Class XII.
Other supporting healthcare initiatives:
1. We promise that healthcare will be universal and free in public health centres such as hospitals, clinics, primary health centres, mobile healthcare units, dispensaries and health camps.
2. The Rajasthan Model of cashless insurance up to 25 lakhs will be adopted for universal healthcare.
3. Primary Health Centres (PHC) will be upgraded according to Indian Public Health Standards norms, and diagnostics will be added in each PHC.
5. Maternity benefits will be available to all women. All employers shall mandatorily grant paid maternity leave for their employees.
6. Budget allocation for Health will be increased step by step every year to achieve 4 per cent of total expenditure by 2028-29.
Key aspects of immunization commitment:
1. Current Status:
- 76% current immunization coverage
- Need for significant improvement
- Focus on child health
2. Target:
- 100% immunization coverage
- 5-year implementation timeline
- National Mission approach
3. Integration with:
- Universal healthcare
- Nutritional programs
- Maternal health
- Child welfare initiatives