Pune Vidhan Sabha: Control Drug Prices, Strengthen Healthcare System! Arogya Sena’s Open Manifesto Amid Election
Pune Vidhan Sabha: Control Drug Prices, Strengthen Healthcare System! Arogya Sena’s Open Manifesto Amid Election
Pune: With the upcoming assembly elections in mind, Arogya Sena released an open manifesto on Tuesday to bring attention to the urgent healthcare challenges in Maharashtra. The manifesto, addressed to political parties and prospective representatives, demands strict regulation of drug prices and increased funding for children’s health among other initiatives.
The manifesto was launched by Dr. Abhijit Vaidya, National President of Arogya Sena, with Arogya Sena General Secretary Laxmikant Mundada and member Varsha Gupte also in attendance. Dr. Vaidya emphasized the manifesto’s focus on the needs of Maharashtra’s farmers, workers, unorganized laborers, and middle class, noting that while public health is crucial, state budget allocations are woefully insufficient. Without increased investment, he asserted, the weakening public health system cannot be strengthened.
The manifesto also calls for a balanced, efficient, corruption-free, and easily accessible public health network for urban and rural populations alike. It proposes a minimum annual health insurance of ₹5 lakh for all citizens and mandates free surgeries for heart conditions, kidney transplants, and cancer treatments for those with yellow and orange ration cards under the Jeevdaya Scheme.
Key Demands of the Manifesto:
- 1. Increased budget allocation for public health.
- 2. Strengthening of the healthcare system.
- 3. Strict regulation of drug prices.
- 4. Drug names to be in the state’s official language.
- 5. Assurance of clean drinking water.
- 6. Proper management of sewage and drainage systems.
- 7. Effective waste management practices.
