In the run up to Independence Day, we bring you stories on sectors which have made major impact on the lives of citizens. In this series, today we bring you a report on the health sector. In the last seven years, government has taken major steps to provide affordable and quality healthcare to the people. Largest vaccination drive is going on in the country and nation has so far administered over 46 crore 72 lakh COVID vaccines to the people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on June this year announced that Government will provide free vaccines to all citizens above 18 years of age.<br />”<br />”AIR correspondent reports that government has made every endeavour so that people can avail affordable healthcare services despite the ongoing pandemic. Centre has taken several historic decisions in the last few years which proved instrumental in creating the modern health care system. Ayushman Bharat has proven to be a lifeline for poor people. Around 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families are entitled for health cover of five lakh rupees per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.<br />”<br />”<span style="color: #000000;">The use of telemedicine has been promoted in a big way. ‘eSanjeevani’, a web-based comprehensive telemedicine solution is being utilized to extend the reach of specialized healthcare services to masses in both rural areas and isolated communities. Women and Child health care is one of the key focus areas of the government. To provide healthy nutrition and treatment to women and children, several schemes like Poshan Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri MatruVandana Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan were initiated which resulted in low maternal and child mortality rate.</span><br />