Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Cancer Hospital and Sanatorium in Surat

Surat: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the Babulal Roopchand Shah Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Phoolchandbhai Jaikishandas Vakharia Sanatorium in Surat, Gujarat, on Wednesday. The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Gujarat Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi.

Speaking at the inauguration, Amit Shah highlighted the significance of these new facilities in strengthening Surat’s healthcare infrastructure. The 110-bed cancer hospital, built at a cost of approximately ₹250 crores, is equipped with advanced treatment options, including a chemotherapy unit, isolation beds, high-tech operation theatres, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplants, and nuclear medicine facilities. Shah expressed confidence that the hospital would become a major hub for affordable cancer treatment, particularly benefiting low-income patients.

“Surat has emerged as a key economic and industrial center in western India. Despite its growing population, the city has maintained a record of cleanliness and established itself as a healthcare hub with the construction of new hospitals,” Shah stated.

The Phoolchandbhai Jaikishandas Vakharia Sanatorium features 36 rooms with medical facilities, offering affordable care to patients who previously had to travel to Mumbai or Ahmedabad for treatment.

The Mahavir Health and Medical Relief Society, established in 1978, has been instrumental in enhancing Surat’s healthcare services through institutions like the Mahavir General Hospital, RB Shah Super Specialty Hospital, and Lakshmipati Mahavir Nursing School. With the addition of the new cancer hospital, the society continues its mission to provide accessible healthcare.

Amit Shah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana, describing it as a transformative initiative for the country’s healthcare sector. “Through Ayushman Bharat, nearly 12 crore families—around 60 crore people—now have access to free treatment up to ₹5 lakh. This has liberated millions from the despair of unaffordable medical bills,” he said.

Shah highlighted key achievements of the scheme, including the establishment of 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Kendras with a total footfall of 317 crore, and the issuance of 71 crore Abha cards. He also emphasized the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, which has saved patients ₹25,000 crores through affordable medicines available at over 10,000 outlets.

Shah noted the remarkable expansion of medical colleges in India under PM Modi’s leadership, with their number increasing from 387 in 2014 to 766 today. The number of MBBS graduates has more than doubled, with 1.15 lakh doctors now graduating annually compared to 51,000 a decade ago.

The Union Minister also lauded the Prime Minister’s holistic approach to health, which includes initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Fit India Movement, Mission Indradhanush, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the promotion of Ayurveda and Yoga for preventive healthcare.

Reflecting on the country’s healthcare priorities, Shah pointed out that India’s health budget has nearly tripled, from ₹37,000 crores in 2013-14 to ₹98,000 crores today. “Modi ji has always prioritized the health and well-being of the middle class and those living below the poverty line,” he said.