Amit Shah Inaugurates INR 200 Cr Medical College in Bengaluru
Patil also acknowledged the shortage of doctors and highlighted the growing global demand for Indian medical professionals.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the BGS Medical College and a 1,000-bed super-specialty hospital in the new Bengaluru campus of Adichunchanagiri University.
The project, built at a cost of INR 200 Cr on 17 acres, was developed by Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math.
Shah inaugurated the facilities by lighting a ceremonial lamp in the presence of Swami Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, pontiff of the Math.
Addressing the gathering, Shah praised the Math’s contribution to healthcare and education. He said, “Our philosophy is to reach out to others through service. It is the central focus of our culture. I congratulate Swami Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji for rendering service by reaching out to all sections of society.”
He added, “They have built an educational centre at a cost of around ₹200 crore on 17 acres, with construction covering 20,000 sq. ft. to accommodate 4,000 students. A 1,000-bed modern hospital has also been constructed, equipped with super-speciality facilities. Importantly, the hospital provides free and concessional treatment for the poor, and education is offered at affordable prices. I am confident that this institution will emerge as one of the largest in the country.”
Shah highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-standing commitment to making healthcare accessible, saying, “Twenty-six years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in Gujarat that poverty stems from illness, and illness stems from the high cost of treatment. He emphasised that the government must help the poor access healthcare. Today, I can proudly say that when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he fulfilled this promise.”
The Home Minister also spoke about major strides in public healthcare under Ayushman Bharat, noting that “Today, 60 crore people from poor sections of society receive free medical treatment up to INR 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.”
He further listed initiatives like the Fit India Movement, International Yoga Day, Poshan Abhiyan, and the establishment of 15,000 outlets providing generic medicines at affordable prices.
On medical education, Shah added, “Earlier, the country had only seven AIIMS institutions; now there are 23. The number of medical colleges has increased from 387 to 780. MBBS seats have grown from 51,000 to 1.80 lakh, and postgraduate medical seats have increased from 31,000 to 74,000.”
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude for the support he received from Shah in his ministerial duties and reiterated the Center’s commitment to Karnataka’s development.
Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil noted, “Karnataka has the highest number of medical education seats in the country. I thank our elders who laid the foundation for this development in the 1960s and 70s. Today, we are reaping the benefits of their vision.”
Patil also acknowledged the shortage of doctors and highlighted the growing global demand for Indian medical professionals. “Our doctors are in great demand globally. India must promote the establishment of more medical colleges, and I have conveyed this to Amit Shah ji,” he said.
The minister concluded by stating the government’s intention to set up a medical college, super-specialty hospital, and cancer care center in every district headquarters.
The event at the BGS MCH Campus in Nagarur saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Union MoS for Jal Shakti and Railways V Somanna, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, and others.
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