3rd, July, 2002
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare  


SHRI SINHA ASSUMES CHARGE AS UNION MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE


Shri Shatrughan Sinha today took charge as Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. Speaking to the reporters after assuming the charge Shri Sinha said that he is aware of his ministerial responsibilities and would like to perform with all sincerity and seriousness and try to bring about transparency in the functioning of ministry.

Appreciating the various reforms initiated by his predecessor, the Minister said that he would expedite the reforms and would strengthen the delivery mechanism in the health sector. He emphasized the need to expand the reach of availability of medicine without compromising on its quality. He said that proper mechanism should be worked out so that medicine reaches to the poor, middle class and the retired people.

The Minister also underlined the need to enhance the prestige of All India Institute of Medical Sciences as premier institution of the country. He suggested that OPD hours in the hospitals should be extended till evening so that the common people can benefit more.