Rishikesh: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the remarkable progress in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade while addressing the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rishikesh. Welcoming Union Health and Family Welfare Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda, Dhami praised the Centre’s efforts in transforming the country’s health infrastructure.
He said that the past 10 years have witnessed significant expansion in health services across India. Initiatives such as the establishment of new AIIMS institutions, implementation of the National Health Policy-2017, the rollout of Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and increased medical college seats have given India’s healthcare system a new dimension. He expressed gratitude to the Union Health Minister for his ongoing support in developing Uttarakhand’s health sector.
New Facilities and Technological Advancements
The Chief Minister emphasized that AIIMS Rishikesh is emerging as a hub for advanced medical care. He inaugurated the Picture Archiving and Communication System and the Center for Advanced Pediatrics at the institute’s Trauma Center, stating these would further strengthen healthcare services in the region.
He added that AIIMS Rishikesh now offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services, including robotic surgery, knee replacement, advanced neurosurgery, and radiation therapy, all delivered by expert medical professionals.
Heli Ambulance and Satellite AIIMS Center
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the introduction of a Heli Ambulance service has given new momentum to the health sector in Uttarakhand. Dhami also informed that the construction of the AIIMS Rishikesh satellite center in Udham Singh Nagar is progressing rapidly.
Achievements in Public Health
The CM shared that over 5,000 gram sabhas in Uttarakhand have been declared TB-free, a major milestone in public health. He added that the state government, with the support of the Prime Minister, is working to ensure a medical college in every district.
In efforts to provide affordable and accessible healthcare, services such as telemedicine and Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been expanded. Additionally, 207 types of pathological tests are now offered free of cost in government hospitals, with over 29 lakh people already availing this service. More than 14 lakh patients have received free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state.
Dhami also mentioned that new hospitals are planned to support the upcoming Chardham Yatra, ensuring better medical preparedness during the pilgrimage.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, Lok Sabha MP Ajay Bhatt, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, MP and former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat, State Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Subodh Uniyal, MLA Premchand Agarwal, Brij Bhushan Gairola, AIIMS Rishikesh Chairman Prof. Simran Nandi, Director Prof. Meenu Singh, Prof. Jaya Chaturvedi, and other dignitaries.
