Text of President Kalam's Address to Parliament

[Guest guest]

Text of President Kalam's Address to Parliament

Following is the excerpts from the text of the address by President

APJ Abdul Kalam to the joint session of Parliament on June 7, 2004:

20. Health is an essential element in the development process and a

crucial input for improving the quality of life. The Government will

increase public spending on health to at least 2-3% of GDP over the

next five years, with the focus on primary health care. Universal

immunisation programmes will be effectively implemented throughout

the country to eliminate avoidable child-diseases. The Government

will step up public investment in programmes to control communicable

diseases.

A special thrust will be given to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in

the country. A national scheme of health insurance for poor families

will be introduced. The Government will take all steps to ensure the

availability of life-saving drugs at reasonable prices. The Family

Welfare programmes will be strengthened and revitalised.

Copy of the complete text of the president's address to the

parliament is available on the following url.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200406071325.htm