Discussion on expansion of health services, Ayushman Bharat and

historical achievements in medical education

Due to efforts of Modi-Yogi government, Agra becoming major

centre for health services: Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay

Agra gets a new identity for modern medical facilities, patients

do not have to depend on metros: Yogendra Upadhyay

Agra, 13 June (HS): A symposium for doctors and

intellectuals was held at S.N. Medical College, Agra, on Saturday as part of

the 12 Years of Trust, Development, and Public Welfare campaign,

launched to mark the completion of 12 years of the central government under the

leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The program discussed in detail the

transformative work and achievements made by the central and state governments

in the fields of medicine, health, education, and public welfare over the past

12 years.

Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Uttar

Pradesh Government Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, MLA Purushottam

Khandelwal and MLA Dr. G.S. Dharmesh interacted with doctors, medical teachers,

intellectuals and citizens at the seminar.

In his address, Union Minister of State, Prof. S.P. Singh

Baghel, stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the

country's healthcare sector has witnessed unprecedented transformation. He

pointed out that in 2014, there were only seven AIIMS in the country, while

today their number has increased to 23. Medical education has also expanded

rapidly, with the number of medical colleges in the country reaching

approximately 780. He added that district hospitals have undergone a comprehensive

overhaul, and continuous efforts are being made to make modern medical

facilities accessible to the general public.

He stated that over 420 million health checkups have been

conducted in the country so far, including over 360 million oral cancer screenings.

The prices of approximately 2,000 essential medicines have been reduced,

providing relief to millions of families. He stated that the Ayushman Bharat

scheme has established itself as the world's largest health protection scheme,

and currently, approximately 40,000 treatment claims are being processed daily.

The initiative to provide Ayushman cards to senior citizens over 70 years of

age through Aadhaar cards is also an important step in the field of health

protection.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said that

the double-engine government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief

Minister Yogi Adityanath, has given a new direction to healthcare services. He

said that under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), SN Medical

College has been equipped with modern medical facilities. Today, complex

procedures like open-heart bypass surgery are being successfully performed

here, eliminating the need for patients from Agra and surrounding districts to

rely on major cities.

He said that through the Ayushman Bharat scheme and other

public welfare health programs, poor and needy families are getting access to

better treatment. The government is striving to ensure that quality health

services reach the last person in society easily.

MLA Purushottam Khandelwal stated that over the past 12

years, SN Medical College has seen significant growth in medical services,

resources, and specialist facilities. MLA Dr. G.S. Dharmesh, recalling his

student days at the medical college, said the institution has reached new

heights in healthcare and medical education.

The symposium also discussed improvements in maternal and

child health. Speakers reported significant reductions in the maternal

mortality ratio and infant mortality rate. Financial assistance is being

provided to encourage institutional delivery, and special campaigns are being

conducted for women's vaccination and cancer prevention.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi