New Delhi, Aug 24 : In a historic announcement on Wednesday the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Union Health Ministry and the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to offer a comprehensive and inclusive health program for transgender individuals who are part of Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hailed the MoU as the only one of the kind in the country that will help ensure an equal and reputable place for transgender people by allowing access to health services under the AB-PMJAY.
“This MoU has laid the foundation for a revolutionary change in our society.The agreement that provides unique healthcare benefits for transgender community is more than just guaranteeing equality for the marginalized population”, Mandaviya said.
Noting that transgender people suffer discrimination and stigma, he stressed that the delivery of health services through the AB-PMJAY is an important step towards creating becoming an inclusive society.”It is only fitting to note that the MoU is signed at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre today because he advocated to create the creation of an all-inclusive society with equality across all segments in the nation”, Mandaviya stated.
Mandaviya stressed that the government has been working in a way that is decisive to not just accept the rights of the transgender community, but has taken various steps to ensure their wellbeing.He felicitated the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for launching several initiatives for the transgender community whether it’s “The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019”, Garima Greh, PM Daksh program, or any other initiatives or schemes adopted recently.
The Prime Minister urged all segments of society to join in the endeavors of the government to create an inclusive society, under the vision of “New India” of the Prime Minister.he said that “Disadvantaged communities can move forward with dignity and self-reliance with the cooperation of “Sarkar and society”.
The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar said that a transformative changes are taking place in the country with an unwavering political will to bring about this change.He described the various actions that were taken by MoSJE to implement a package of five guarantees that include education, living with dignity, Health care support Opportunities for livelihood and Skills Enhancement.
These measures have been implemented to ensure that marginalised and disenfranchised segments of the population are free from the confines of society by offering them a dignified life and a sustainable livelihood, he stated.
The MoU was signed by Dr R S Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority (NHA) and R Subramanyam, Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment.
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