CM Naidu Inaugurates Rs 100-Crore MCH Centre in Guntur, Highlights Role of Philanthropy in Society
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the state-of-the-art Mother and Child Health Care (MCH) Centre at the Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH) on Friday. The facility, constructed with a generous donation of Rs 100 crore from the Guntur Medical College Alumni of North America (GMCANA), marks a significant milestone in public healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Emphasizing Service Over Self-Centered Living
Addressing the gathering, Naidu underscored that Indian culture has always prioritized service to society rather than promoting self-centered living. He praised the alumni, who studied at Guntur Medical College four to five decades ago and later settled abroad, for remembering their alma mater and contributing on such a substantial scale.
"It is commendable that those who became global citizens have not forgotten the institution that shaped them and have come forward to establish a major mother and childcare facility," he remarked.
Philanthropy as an Indian Tradition
Naidu elaborated on philanthropy being an integral part of Indian tradition, with historical donations for schools, hospitals, temples, choultries, and playgrounds. He contrasted this with Western societies, noting that while children in the US become independent at 18, Indian parents continue to mentor their children throughout life.
From Brain Drain to Brain Gain
Recalling his first tenure as Chief Minister in 1995, Naidu mentioned concerns about doctors migrating to the US, which led to fears of "brain drain." However, he predicted a "brain gain," which is now evident through voluntary contributions for public healthcare infrastructure. He cited several examples of such contributions:
- Rs 16 crore for the Millennium Block in Guntur
- Rs 60 crore for the Centurion Block at Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam
- Rs 40 crore for the Kakinada hospital
- Rs 20 crore for Kurnool Medical College
Addressing Economic Disparities Through P4 Initiative
Naidu referred to the Janmabhoomi programme, under which many NRIs previously contributed to development in their native places. He urged them to actively participate in his new P4 initiative. While the Centre promotes the P3 model for rapid development in sectors like roads, airports, and power, Naidu expressed concern over widening gaps between the rich and the poor.
"I introduced P4 to address economic disparities. Most of us come from modest rural backgrounds and rose step by step by seizing opportunities. By giving back, you are strengthening society," he stated, adding that inequality would reduce only when the poor are provided opportunities to earn.
Bangaru Kutumbalu Initiative and Poverty Eradication
Naidu highlighted the government's "Bangaru Kutumbalu" initiative aimed at eradicating poverty and reducing disparities. He reported achieving about 50 per cent of its target so far, with around 1.02 lakh poor families adopted out of 10.42 lakh people identified. He appealed for more people to support underprivileged families, noting that those uplifted would eventually become role models for others.
Dignitaries Present at the Inauguration
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Union Minister Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar
- Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav
- Legislators Naseer Ahmed, Galla Madhavi, and Ramanjaneyulu
- District Collector Thameem Ansariya
- Representatives of NRI doctors
The inauguration of the MCH Centre not only enhances healthcare services in Guntur but also reinforces the importance of community contributions in building a more equitable society.
