Yogi Adityanath Calls for Paradigm Shift in India's Healthcare Approach
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh declared on Friday that for India to achieve long-term health and productivity, the medical system must transition from a treatment-focused model to one centered on public awareness and lifestyle enhancement. He made these remarks while addressing the Cardiological Society of India conference 'NIC-2026' at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow.
Emphasis on Prevention Over Cure
Adityanath stressed that prioritizing prevention strategies is crucial to safeguarding society from diseases proactively. "The dual approach of prevention and treatment will form the foundation of India's health security in the future," he asserted. He highlighted that building a disease-free society is essential to realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).
The Chief Minister underscored the urgent need to inspire citizens to adopt healthy routines through widespread awareness campaigns. This proactive measure will empower the nation to tackle future health challenges more effectively, he noted.
Addressing the Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases
Adityanath expressed serious concern over the rapid increase in non-communicable diseases and their profound impact on large segments of society. He recalled that in the past, a serious illness often plunged entire families into financial crisis due to inadequate health infrastructure and a shortage of specialists.
However, he pointed to significant improvements in recent years. Through the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, approximately 55 to 60 crore people across the country now receive health security coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year, providing substantial relief from the burden of treatment expenses for common citizens.
Expansion of Health Infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh
The Chief Minister detailed the remarkable growth in Uttar Pradesh's healthcare facilities. A decade ago, the state had only 17 government medical colleges; today, that number has surged to 81, with two AIIMS institutions also operational. He outlined several key developments strengthening health services:
- Establishment of ICUs in every district
- Initiation of Cath labs at multiple locations
- Rapid expansion of super specialty hospitals in the private sector
- Infrastructure upgrades in older medical colleges
Additionally, Adityanath revealed that in 2025, about Rs 1400 crore was disbursed to the public for treatment through the Chief Minister Relief Fund, reflecting the government's commitment to healthcare accessibility.
Challenges in Government Healthcare Institutions
Adityanath acknowledged the disparities between private and public healthcare sectors. While conditions are relatively easier for doctors in private institutions, government facilities face severe challenges due to excessive patient influx. "KGMU handles 12,000 to 14,000 OPD patients daily, and SGPGI sees 10,000 to 12,000. This overwhelming pressure makes it difficult to provide adequate time and quality treatment to each patient, and this issue is likely to intensify in the future," he explained.
Modern Lifestyle and Emerging Health Threats
The Chief Minister linked changing lifestyles, particularly excessive smartphone usage, to the emergence of new diseases. He also highlighted the rapid spread of diabetes as a major public health challenge. In this context, he emphasized that government efforts alone are insufficient; widespread public awareness is critically necessary.
Raising concerns about growing food adulteration, Adityanath remarked, "Today, one cannot be certain about the quality of food served at any event." He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to promote traditional systems of medicine and yoga globally, citing the celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21 as a commendable initiative.
Call to Action for Medical Professionals
Adityanath urged doctors and experts to motivate society to adopt disciplined routines, reduce smartphone overuse, and follow healthy lifestyles. He reiterated that public awareness is the most effective solution to these escalating health problems.
"The government is working equally on both awareness and treatment levels to make health services affordable, accessible, and effective," he stated. Through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, heart treatment facilities such as bypass surgery, angiography, and angioplasty are becoming accessible to the general public, offering significant relief to the underprivileged.
He noted that while heart diseases are relatively less common among the labor class due to active lifestyles, changing circumstances make timely screening, awareness, and improved health services extremely important for all segments of society.
