Agra, March 21 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that a self-reliant India is only possible when its citizens are healthy.

She was speaking at the inauguration of the Nand Kishor Somani Oncology Block of Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram at Vrindavan. Governor Anandiben Patel was also present at the ceremony.

"An empowered ('sashakt') and 'Aatma Nirbhar' Bharat is only possible when the citizens are healthy," Murmu said.

Describing cancer as one of the most serious health challenges, the President said timely diagnosis of the disease and access to high-quality treatment can prove decisive in saving a patient's life.

"However, for many families, the treatment for this disease appears difficult or even impossible due to financial c...