Independence Day 2018: Here is what PM Modi said in his address at Red Fort

This was Modi's fifth and last Independence Day speech as Prime Minister for the current term

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the fifth and the last Independence Day speech of his current term as the Prime Minister from the Red Fort on Wednesday. The speech for the first time was streamed live on Google and YouTube.
 

In his last Independence Day address, PM Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan (Ayushman Bharat) and said the government's flagship scheme will be launched on September 25, on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.

"The healthcare initiatives of the government will have a positive impact on 500 million Indians," he said.

"It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare."

The ambitious Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) aims to provide a coverage of Rs 500,000 per family annually, benefiting more than 100 million poor families.

According to a  Business Standard report, the nationwide rollout will have to wait as only six states - Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Haryana, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh - are currently on board for the pilot launch. 
 

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9:03 AM

With this PM concludes Independence Day speech at the Red Fort. The audience stands for the national anthem. 

9:01 AM

8:57 AM

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The healthcare initiatives of the government will have a positive impact on 500 million Indians: PM Modi 

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8:36 AM

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan will be launched on 25th September this year: PM Modi 

8:19 AM

In the year 2022 or if possible before, India will unfurl the tricolour in space, says PM Modi as he praises the Indian scientists

8:09 AM

From being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform. We are all set for record economic growth, says PM Modi

8:05 AM

Despite initial hiccups, GST has been well embraced by traders. I want to thank the business community for its success: PM Modi

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