In a significant push to elevate medical infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, Union Minister and the state's newly-appointed BJP chief, Pankaj Chaudhary, has formally called for granting the prestigious Institute of National Importance (INI) status to the King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow.
Chaudhary's Convocation Pitch for KGMU's National Status
Addressing the university's convocation ceremony on Saturday, Chaudhary asserted that the INI tag would bring transformative benefits for patients by significantly strengthening advanced treatment, research, and superspecialty care facilities. He directed his appeal to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, seeking his support for the proposal.
The minister justified his demand by highlighting KGMU's credentials. He stated that the institution has emerged as a major referral centre not just for Uttar Pradesh but also for neighbouring states. "With better national rankings, strong academic standards and heavy patient load, KGMU meets all the criteria required for INI status," Chaudhary emphasised.
UP's Healthcare Transformation: Solar Power to Free Surgeries
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, who also holds the health portfolio, outlined the state's rapid strides in the medical sector. He revealed a remarkable shift towards green energy, noting that nearly 90% of electricity used in state hospitals now comes from solar power.
Pathak provided a snapshot of the expanded healthcare network:
- Health and Wellness Centres have been established for every 5,000 population.
- Dialysis, CT scan, and ICU facilities are now available in most districts.
- 2.5 to 3 lakh patients visit Outpatient Departments (OPDs) daily across the state.
- Between 10,000 to 12,000 patients receive emergency care every day.
- Approximately 8,000 to 9,000 free surgeries are performed daily.
- Over two lakh patients are treated every Sunday during the Jan Arogya Melas.
- Teleconsultations are being provided via the eSanjeevani platform at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
KGMU's Expansion and a Call to Graduating Doctors
At the convocation, KGMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand detailed the institution's recent growth. She announced the launch of new facilities in the gynaecologic oncology and infectious diseases departments, along with the introduction of new academic courses. The university has also added DM and MCh seats, established advanced facilities, and secured projects worth a substantial Rs 941 crore.
Concluding his address, Minister Pankaj Chaudhary called the graduation a moment of pride for students to be part of such a historic institution. He expressed confidence that the new doctors would uphold and enhance KGMU's reputation. He urged the graduating students to remain grounded, ethical, and committed to serving society and the nation.
The collective statements from the state's leadership underscore a dual focus: advocating for national recognition for premier institutions like KGMU while simultaneously driving a massive, ground-level healthcare expansion to serve Uttar Pradesh's vast population.
