The Minister of State for Shipping (Independent charge) and Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated India’s one the largest first Virtual Healthcare & Hygiene Expo 2020 organized by FICCI. According to the press statement, this is the first-ever largest virtual exhibition in India, making a new beginning. This is the new norm, wherein a business will happen virtually as Digital India is now making a way forward.
The event was inaugurated virtually, which will be live daily from 22 to 26 June 2020. Anurag Sharma, member of parliament, Jhansi and chairman, FICCI, AYUSH Committee, Sangita Reddy, president FICCI, P V Sindhu, eminent sports personality, Badhri Iyengar, chairman, FICCI Medical Devices Forum and other representatives from the industries attended the Virtual EXPO.
Speaking at the inauguration, minister said that an ecosystem is being built for a self-reliant India, which will help in ramping up domestic production in Pharmaceutical Sector and Health & Hygiene Sector. Health, hygiene and sanitation, medical textiles and devices, AYUSH and wellness sector assume greater significance in our resolute fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. He highlighted various initiatives announced in this direction by the prime minister since 2014, such as providing toilets for every household, “Ayushman Bharat” to cover ten crore families for healthcare, “Swatch Bharat Abhiyan,” “Suvidha Sanitary” Napkin and others. He also spoke about Jan Aushadhi stores, which are providing quality medicines at an affordable price for everyone. Mandaviya elaborated on how all these initiatives became possible due to the firm vision of Narendra Modi Government.
The minister emphasized the importance of better Women Health, which he said is an area where we all should focus and work upon. He gave the example of “Suvidha Sanitary” Napkin sold in Jan Aushadhi Stores at Rs 1 per pad. Such initiatives are a unique way of ensuring health hygiene of womenfolk of the country. He agreed with P V Sindhu that Fitness and Hygiene are integral parts of the Healthcare sector. “One has to be physically fit and manage exercise routine to keep one healthy,” he added.
Shri Mandaviya also spoke about the recent policy announcement of Government giving incentives for setting up of Bulk Drug Park and Medical Device Park in India. He said that the Government is ready to help the Private Sector if they want to set up such parks in India by equity participation. He explained how such announcements would act as a cog in the wheel of #Atmanirbharat Abhiyan announced by the Prime Minister.
Minister acknowledged the efforts by all citizens and especially praised the frontline workers, the doctors, nurses, and police. He appreciated and made special acknowledgments to the manufacturing community who rose to the occasion converting challenges into opportunity, from ramping up the health infra, creating beds to manufacturing PPE kits, masks, ventilators, and devices. He stated that India had supported the government shoulder to shoulder.
Mandaviya also spoke about the benefits of AYUSH and how the preparations of AYUSH are immunity booster. “Traditional medicines are playing an important role in supporting the Government’s efforts to tackle the Corona crisis,” he said.
