Health Minister cites 413 press releases in 19 months to highlight transparency

Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Satya Kumar Yadav said the department had issued 413 press releases over the past 19 months to communicate its initiatives to the public and ensure transparency in its functioning.

In a press note issued on January 5, the Minister said the department attached high priority to keeping the public informed about the measures being taken by the government to safeguard public health.

Mr. Yadav said there had been about 380 working days during the 19-month period and that, on average, a press release was issued every working day. Of the total 413 releases, 132 were issued directly from the Minister’s office on key policy and administrative matters, while the remaining 281 pertained to the implementation of nearly 35 health schemes under the National Health Mission.

Expressing gratitude to the media, the Minister said it had played a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between the government and the public, and hoped it would continue to do so.