Written by : Aishwarya Sarthe
February 26, 2024
Moreover, PM Modi laid the foundation stones for 202 healthcare infrastructure projects spread across 23 states and union territories.
In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s healthcare infrastructure, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated five All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across various states and initiated 200 healthcare infrastructure projects, collectively valued at over INR11,700 Cr.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Sunday, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Mahendra Munjapara, Minister of State for AYUSH & Woman and Child Development, and Rushikesh Patel, Health Minister of Gujarat.
The newly inaugurated AIIMS facilities are located in Rajkot (Gujarat), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal), and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh), symbolizing a concerted effort to enhance tertiary healthcare services across the nation. Moreover, PM Modi laid the foundation stones for 202 healthcare infrastructure projects spread across 23 states and union territories.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized the transformative impact of these healthcare initiatives. He highlighted the evolution of healthcare infrastructure in what he termed "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He said, "The dedication of five AIIMS today gives a glimpse of how healthcare infrastructure will evolve in Viksit Bharat."
In addition, he underscored the significance of decentralizing healthcare services, stating, "Only one AIIMS in New Delhi served the country for a long time. Today, many new AIIMS are functioning in different capacities nationwide."
He lauded the accelerated pace of infrastructure development, noting that the simultaneous laying of foundation stones and inauguration of projects nationwide exemplifies a newfound commitment to expediting progress.
Reflecting on the healthcare sector's growth trajectory over the past decade, PM Modi cited substantial advancements, such as the proliferation of medical colleges from around 380 in 2014 to over 700 presently. He also highlighted the significant increase in PG and MBBS seats and the expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which now exceeds 10,000 units nationwide.
PM Modi reiterated the government's pledge to deliver on promises to various regions, including establishing AIIMS facilities in Rajkot, Bathinda, Raebareli, Mangalagiri, Kalyani, and Rewari. With the inauguration of these institutions and the sanctioning of 10 new AIIMS over the past decade, the government aims to enhance access to advanced healthcare services across the country.
In addition to the AIIMS facilities, the 202 healthcare infrastructure projects encompass various initiatives aimed at bolstering healthcare delivery at various levels. These include the dedication of medical colleges, the establishment of field units of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the foundation stone laid for critical care blocks and nursing colleges, and the inauguration of public health laboratories.
Under the National Health Mission (NHM) and Prime Minister-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), PM Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation, and laid the foundation stone for 115 projects. These initiatives encompassed various healthcare endeavors, including establishing critical care blocks, public health laboratories, medical colleges, and essential healthcare facilities.
Notably, foundation stones were laid for 57 Critical Care Blocks (CCBs) to enhance critical healthcare services, with a total investment exceeding INR 1,625 Cr. The inauguration also included unveiling eight Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) and four Block Public Health Units (BPHUs), crucial components in bolstering public health infrastructure. Furthermore, the dedication of seven IPHLs and nine BPHUs underscores the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery systems nationwide.
Also, the inauguration of the National Institute of Naturopathy named 'Nisarg Gram' in Pune, Maharashtra, and the Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy in Jhajjar, Haryana, underscores the government's emphasis on holistic healthcare approaches.
Furthermore, PM Modi inaugurated 10 new microbiology laboratories established by the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) across different states. These laboratories will ensure food safety by detecting various microorganisms, including pathogens, in food products.
The inauguration of AIIMS facilities and the initiation of numerous healthcare infrastructure projects mark a significant milestone in India's journey towards achieving universal healthcare coverage. PM Modi's emphasis on expediting project implementation reflects the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality nationwide.