VP M Venkaiah Naidu irked by protocol; aims to bring changes

KAKINADA: Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that there is a need for changes in the protocol system and that he was making efforts to bring about some changes in the system. 

Participating as chief guest at the Rangaraya Medical College Golden Jubilee celebrations here on Saturday, Mr Venkaiah Naidu said that previously, he used to meet people and go to the houses of many of them on invitations. After assuming charge as Vice-President, the second top post in Indian Constitution, the protocol prevents him from meeting people like he used to do earlier.

He said that there are too many protocols that are cumbersome for him. There is a need to simplify the protocols. "Previously I went anywhere by train or car and met many people. But, If I want to go anywhere, three helicopters also will start accompany me and I am to attend the meetings or programmes as per protocol," he said.

The Vice-President later met the participants who attended the celebrations before leaving the venue. Mr Venkaiah Naidu's meet gave a happy feeling to the participants. 

Mr Venkaiah Naidu said that various initiatives of the National Medical Council would bring uniformity in providing high standards in medical education.

He said that the flagship initiative of Ayushman Bharat' to provide insurance coverage and comprehensive, need-based health care through 1.50 lakhs health and wellness centers to 10 crore poor and vulnerable families would address the problems faced by people like huge expenditure and accessing modern health care facilities. He said that 62 pe r cent of deaths among men and 52 per cent  among women are due to non-communicable diseases.