Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a number of projects worth ₹48,100 crore in Rajkot, Gujarat, the city where he was first elected as an MLA, in a major step ahead of the approaching Lok Sabha elections. The projects included the opening of India's longest cable-stayed bridge in Dwarka and five All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in various states.
As he considered his long-standing relationship with Rajkot, PM Modi noted that this day exactly 22 years ago was when he was sworn in as an MLA following his election to the Rajkot II Assembly seat he remarked, "I observe that generations have evolved, but respect for Modi is above the age limit."
The initiatives that Prime Minister Modi introduced are themed around "Vikas aur Virasat" (development and heritage). He highlighted his approach to administration by launching the longest cable-stayed bridge in India, Sudarshan Setu, earlier in the day, which connects the Okha mainland to Beyt Dwarka. PM Modi paid respects to the underwater remnants of Old Dwarka by submerging himself in the Arabian Sea following his prayers at the Dwarakadheesh temple.
One noteworthy aspect of the project is the establishment of five AIIMS: one in Rajkot, Gujarat, one in Bathinda, Punjab, one in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, one in Kalyani, West Bengal, and one in Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh. The tertiary healthcare services and infrastructure in India are greatly enhanced by these AIIMS facilities. In addition, PM Modi also launched 202 healthcare infrastructure projects spanning 23 states and Union Territories, worth more than ₹11,700 crores.
The AIIMS facilities, among the developments announced, mark a significant advancement in healthcare accessibility. PM Modi mentioned that there was just one AIIMS in Delhi for the first fifty years after independence. Nonetheless, seven new AIIMS have been officially opened or had their foundation stones placed in the previous ten days alone. The government's dedication to developing healthcare infrastructure at a never-before-seen rate is demonstrated by this quick progress.
200 healthcare infrastructure projects worth ₹11,500 crore are included in the projects, which are dispersed throughout 23 states. By improving healthcare facilities and services, these programs hope to make sure that everyone in the nation has access to it. Additionally, the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) announced 21 projects worth about ₹2,280 crore.
The national effort goes beyond just building infrastructure. PM Modi stressed the value of routine lipid profile testing and suggested starting them at age 20. The Lipid Association of India's guidelines were emphasized, they divided patients into various risk categories and established goals, particularly for those with metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
PM Modi launched projects under the Prime Minister - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and the National Health Mission (NHM) as part of the larger health efforts. These initiatives include the opening of integrated public health laboratories, block public health units, and critical care blocks, as well as the laying of the foundation stone for each.
During his speech, Prime Minister Modi recognized the cooperative endeavor to disperse significant government functions throughout the nation, departing from the customary focus in Delhi. He underlined that the Rajkot event represents a continuation of this endeavor and establishes a new national tradition of development projects, inaugurations, and foundation stone-laying events.
These healthcare efforts, which demonstrate the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, accessibility, and preventive healthcare measures, gain critical importance as India approaches the Lok Sabha elections. The complete aim for a healthier and more resilient India is emphasized by the diverse approach, which includes everything from AIIMS facilities to thorough lipid profile checks.
Inputs from various sources
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
