The Government of India is reportedly planning to launch a new universal health insurance scheme, as part of efforts to bring about a "complete transformation" of the health sector.

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan announced the plan before a gathering of US-based Indian medical professionals in San Antonio, Texas, reported The Economic Times.

He stressed that the new program will one of the largest health care program in the world with a mission to offer health care protection to all Indian citizens.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quoted by the news agency as saying: "It is my firm belief that our focus needs to go beyond health insurance."

"The way ahead lies in health assurance. We need to focus on preventive health care where public participation has a major role to play."

Vardhan said that the blueprint of the world’s largest universal health insurance program is in the process of being prepared and supervised by him. It is partially inspired by US President Barack Obama’s grand insurance-for-all project which is popularly known as "Obamacare".

"The Prime Minister has authorised me to come up with a brand new policy soon. I need your help to write this all-important document," the minister added.