TNI Bureau: Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav stressed the need for comprehensive and holistic healthcare across Odisha and the country, saying it must go beyond slogans and be implemented as a concrete programme.
Speaking at a national workshop organised under the Vision India initiative at a city hotel, Yadav said the country must focus on “Plan, Develop and Ascent” to address the growing population and rising health challenges. He underlined that healthcare should not be limited to treatment of illness but should include overall physical, mental, social and environmental well-being.
“Complete health means maintaining a balance between the body, mind and environment. People today seek not just treatment, but holistic wellness, good mental health and a healthy lifestyle,” he said, adding that a positive and supportive environment at home, workplace and society is essential for overall health.
Yadav also said that prioritising holistic health would reduce pressure on the healthcare system and enhance citizens’ ability to contribute to nation-building, as a healthy population is the foundation of national development.
Retired IAS officer Alok Ranjan said that Yadav had used discretionary funds for public health initiatives and that the ambulance service launched under the Samajwadi Party government was a landmark step.
During the first session, health experts shared their views on comprehensive healthcare. Gynaecologist Dr Alka Dahiya said cancer is not a death sentence and can be treated successfully if detected early. Dr Pankaj Bharati emphasised the inclusion of physical, mental, social and spiritual dimensions in healthcare. Paediatrician Dr Ashutosh Verma said holistic health is fundamental in child care, while health educator Rajeev Rai said proactive and preventive approaches are essential to improve public health.
The programme was convened by MP Dr Rajeev Rai and moderated by IIM professor and former Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Minister Abhishek Mishra.
Senior leaders from Odisha, including BJD leader Ranendra Pratap Swain, BJD women’s wing leader Sumitra Jena, CPM leader Pushpa, CPIML leader Yudhishthir Mahapatra, Forward Bloc leader Jyoti Mahapatra and former Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahu, also attended the event.
