"AIIMS Rajkot now self-sufficient for virus detection": Union Health Minister JP Nadda

"Earlier, this institute (AIIMS Rajkot) was dependent on NIV (National Institute of Virology) Pune for virus detection, now it is self-sufficient for virus detection. PM Modi envisioned providing tertiary (higher-end) healthcare facilities to the common people," said JP Nadda after visiting AIIMS.

The Health Minister also highlighted that only one institute of AIIMS was established under the Congress rule and now under PM Modi's leadership, the country has 22 AIIMS, out of which 18 are operational.

"During Congress' rule from 1960 to 1998, only 1 AIIMS was established. Under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, 6 AIIMS were established. Then in the 10 years of UPA's leadership of UPA, only 1 AIIMS was established. Now, in PM Modi's leadership India has 22 AIIMS, out of which 18 are operational," said JP Nadda.

Earlier in the day, JP Nadda along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhpendra Patel flagged off the 'Tiranga Yatra' in Rajkot.

Addressing a public gathering during the Tiranaga Yatra, Nadda said, "Today as we set out on 'Tiranga Yatra' and see 'Tiranaga' all around us, the period of freedom also comes to mind. The state (Gujarat) has played a big role in the independence movement of our nation."

Speaking about the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle, Nadda, said, "The nation can never forget the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi who played a big role in achieving independence. It is our pleasure that Mahatma Gandhi's connection was also with the land of this state."

The Union Minister further said, "We also cannot forget the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who played a big role in uniting the princely states with India."

"It is our pleasure that PM Modi's connection was also with the land of Gujarat, who has taken a resolve to make Viksit Bharat," the BJP president said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign across the nation. During this period, the central government urged the citizens to hoist the tricolour on every house, shop, and office. A cleanliness drive will also be carried out.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes as part of the party's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day on August 15.

In the 112th 'Mann Ki Baat' on July 28, Prime Minister Modi called upon all Indians to take part in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign to celebrate Independence Day.

Har Ghar Tiranga' is a campaign that forms part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It was started in 2021 to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India's independence. (ANI)