Jharkhand Secures Major Healthcare Infrastructure Approvals from Centre
In a significant development for healthcare infrastructure in eastern India, Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav has granted in-principle approval for establishing an Ayurvedic medical college and teaching hospital in Jharkhand. The approval came during a high-level meeting in New Delhi between Jadhav and Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari, along with Additional Chief Secretary for Health Ajoy Kumar Singh.
Comprehensive Healthcare Package for Jharkhand
During the crucial meeting, Jharkhand received multiple healthcare benefits that promise to transform medical services across the state. According to Ansari's social media post, the approvals include:
- Establishment of an Ayurvedic Medical College and Teaching Hospital to promote traditional medicine systems
- High-end diagnostic laboratories equipped with Japanese technology in all medical colleges and Ranchi Sadar Hospital
- Expansion of MBBS and postgraduate seats in medical colleges including SNMCH Dhanbad and MGM Jamshedpur
- Central government support for Jharkhand's Abua Health Scheme providing free treatment up to ₹15 lakh
Strengthening Diagnostic Capabilities
Commenting on the approval for advanced diagnostic facilities, Health Minister Irfan Ansari emphasized that "strengthening diagnostic facilities is a top priority of the state government." He explained that these high-tech labs would enable patients to receive accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment within Jharkhand itself, significantly reducing the need for residents to travel outside the state for medical care.
Addressing Doctor Shortages and Infrastructure Gaps
The meeting also addressed critical healthcare workforce challenges in Jharkhand. Ansari raised the issue of doctor shortages in the government healthcare system and proposed increasing MBBS seats by 150 at Dhanbad and Jamshedpur medical colleges. The Union Minister assured that this proposal would be advanced following inspections by expert committees.
In another landmark decision, in-principle approval was granted for constructing wellness health centers (also known as Health Cottages) in all districts of Jharkhand. These facilities will be developed under a 60:40 Centre-State funding pattern and are designed to offer treatment in improved, patient-friendly environments.
"These centers would offer treatment in a better and patient-friendly environment, thereby strengthening public trust in government healthcare institutions," Ansari stated regarding the wellness centers initiative.
Accelerating Implementation of Healthcare Schemes
The Centre has assured full support for Jharkhand's flagship Abua Health Scheme, which provides beneficiaries with free treatment coverage up to ₹15 lakh. Union Minister Jadhav directed officials to immediately submit names of two hospitals so that central cooperation under the scheme could commence without unnecessary delays.
Additional Chief Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh confirmed that "all necessary documentation would be completed expeditiously and forwarded to the central government" to ensure that all approved initiatives are implemented at the earliest possible timeframe.
This comprehensive healthcare package represents a major step forward in addressing Jharkhand's medical infrastructure needs, combining traditional Ayurvedic medicine with modern diagnostic technology while expanding medical education capacity and improving access to quality healthcare across the state.
