Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reflecting on the lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, has declared a significant turnaround in the state's health infrastructure, asserting that UP has moved beyond its erstwhile 'BIMARU' status. He credited government hospitals, including the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), for saving millions of lives during the unprecedented health crisis.
Technology and Massive Funding Boost Healthcare
The Chief Minister emphasized the successful integration of technology with medical services, particularly highlighting the widespread adoption of telemedicine to treat patients remotely. On the financial front, he revealed a substantial commitment, stating that the state government allocated a dedicated sum of Rs 1,300 crore in a single year for citizens' medical treatment.
He further detailed the success of the central government's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, where over 5.5 crore Golden Cards have been issued. This initiative ensures access to quality treatment for beneficiaries, covering advanced care for conditions like kidney disease.
From 'One District, One Mafia' to 'One District, One Medical College'
CM Yogi confidently stated that Uttar Pradesh now possesses sufficient financial resources to continuously strengthen its healthcare framework. He drew a sharp contrast between the state's past and present, remarking, "Earlier, the state was known for 'one district, one mafia'; today, it stands for 'one district, one medical college'".
To address specific critical care needs, the government has established dialysis facilities in public hospitals across all 75 districts, ensuring accessible kidney care for patients. The Chief Minister reiterated that public health remains a non-negotiable priority, with ongoing campaigns against food adulteration. He also mentioned efforts to promote natural farming in 34 districts to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
Global Conference on Kidney Health Underway in Lucknow
Concurrently, Lucknow is hosting a significant international conference on nephrology (kidney health). Organising secretary Narayan Prasad informed that experts from 25 countries, including the United States, nations in Europe, Nepal, and Bangladesh, are participating, making it a major global platform for knowledge exchange.
The first day of the conference featured six in-depth workshops. Key discussion topics included:
- Interventional Nephrology
- Transplant Immunology
- Critical Care Nephrology
- Onco-Nephrology
- Paediatric Nephrology
All sessions were broadcast live to a wider medical audience, amplifying the reach of the specialised discussions.
