<span style="color: #222222;">Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has said that the Ayushman Bharat programme has completely revolutionized primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare systems in the country, with a strong focus on preventive healthcare. <br />''<br />''Chairing an event to mark the Universal Health Coverage Day, he said, through the two wings of Ayushman Bharat – the Health and Wellness Centres and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana, the government has been making quality healthcare affordable and accessible for crores of people in the country.<br />''<br />'' He said that over one crore 45 lakh cashless treatments have been provided to the poorest citizens under Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana. Dr Harsh Vardhan said, COVID-19 has greatly magnified the need for building resilient health care systems and ensuring their equitable access to all.<br />'' <br />'' The Minister also released the 5th National Family Health Survey (NFHS) which contains detailed information on population, health, and nutrition for India and its States and Union Territories. This is a globally important data source as it is comparable to the Demographic Health Surveys Programme of 90 other countries. The present NFHS is being conducted on around six lakh sample households. <br />''<br />''The results of 17 States and 5 UTs have been released now as Phase – 1. He said, Phase -2 covering the remaining 12 States and two UTs had suspended their fieldwork due to COVID-19, which has been resumed from November and is expected to be completed by May, 2021.<br />'' <br />''Dr Harsh Vardhan said, substantial improvement in maternal and child health indicators was recorded in the present survey. The fertility rate has further declined, contraceptive use has increased in most Phase -1 states. <br />''<br />''The survey found considerable improvement in vaccination coverage among children aged 12 to 23 months across all states and UTs. Women's empowerment indicators also portray considerable progress.</span>