Prime Minister Narendra Modi Unveils Tertiary Healthcare Milestones Across India

New Delhi: In a historic stride towards fortifying India’s tertiary healthcare infrastructure, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated five new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) today. The AIIMS facilities are strategically located in Rajkot (Gujarat), Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal), and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh). Simultaneously, the Prime Minister dedicated a total of 202 Healthcare Infrastructure Projects, collectively valued at over Rs. 11,700 crores, spanning 23 states and union territories.

The unveiling ceremony witnessed the presence of 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, among other dignitaries. The event, graced by Hon’ble Governors, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, State Health Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, was conducted both physically and virtually.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the dedication of five AIIMS establishments offers a glimpse of the evolving healthcare infrastructure in Viksit Bharat. He highlighted the remarkable shift from having only one AIIMS in New Delhi serving the country to the present scenario of multiple AIIMS functioning across the nation in various capacities. The Prime Minister underscored the new tradition of expeditious project execution, evident in the multiple foundation stone laying and inauguration events occurring nationwide.

Reflecting on the healthcare achievements over the last decade, Prime Minister Modi noted the significant growth in medical colleges, with the number surpassing 700, up from around 380 in 2014. The capacity for PG and MBBS seats has more than doubled during this period. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which now number over 10,000 units across the country.

Promises made three years ago were fulfilled today as the foundation stone for AIIMS Rajkot was laid by the Prime Minister, along with promises for AIIMS in Bathinda, Raebareli, Mangalagiri, Kalyani, and Rewari. In the past decade, 10 new AIIMS have been sanctioned in various states. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to residents of all cities where AIIMS facilities were inaugurated.

In addition to the five AIIMS facilities, the 202 Healthcare Infrastructure projects virtually inaugurated and for which the foundation stone was laid include the Medical College of Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) at Karaikal, Puducherry; a 300-bedded Satellite Centre of PGIMER in Sangrur, Punjab; a 90-bedded Multi Specialty Consulting Unit of JIPMER at Yanam, Puducherry; a National Centre for Ageing in Chennai; and a new Government Medical College in Purnea, Bihar, among others. The projects encompass a range of medical and research initiatives, reinforcing India’s commitment to advancing its healthcare ecosystem.