Gujarat Healthcare Boost: CM Bhupendra Patel Launches Projects Worth Rs 500 Crore
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel dedicates healthcare projects worth over Rs 500 crore to boost medical infrastructure and affordable care across the state.
In a major push to strengthen the medical infrastructure of the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has dedicated healthcare development projects worth over Rs 500 crore to the people. During a ceremony in Ahmedabad, the Chief Minister emphasized the state's commitment to providing quality and compassionate medical care, aiming to realize the ideal of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness).
A Holistic Approach to Public Health
Chief Minister Patel highlighted that the healthcare landscape in Gujarat and across India has seen a massive transformation over the last 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service. He noted that the state has shifted toward a holistic healthcare model that prioritizes disease prevention, health promotion, and the provision of affordable treatment.
Addressing the financial burden of medical emergencies, the CM pointed out that serious illnesses previously drove many families into debt. However, the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme has provided a safety net, offering eligible beneficiaries free treatment up to Rs 10 lakhs. To date, more than 2.87 crore citizens in Gujarat have received Ayushman cards.
Expanding Medical Education and Infrastructure
The Chief Minister shared striking statistics regarding the growth of medical education in the state. He revealed that the number of medical colleges in Gujarat has surged from just 8 in 2001–02 to an expected 43 by 2025–26. Similarly, MBBS seats have seen a significant increase, rising from 1,375 to 7,525 during the same period.
Looking at specialized care, the CM mentioned that AIIMS is now operational in Rajkot, and Jamnagar is currently seeing the development of the world’s first Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
The Rise of 'Medicities' and Specialized Care
One of the centerpieces of the recent announcements is the foundation stone for the Institute of Neuroscience and Research Centre at Ahmedabad Medicity. Built at a cost of Rs 223 crore, this facility will specialize in treating brain tumors, strokes, and other complex neurological disorders.
The state is also looking to replicate the success of the Ahmedabad model by establishing new Medicities in Vasai and Kamrej, with an estimated investment of approximately Rs 3,000 crore. Additionally, neurology and cardiology services are being expanded in Surat and Gandhinagar.
Key Details of the Neuroscience Institute:
- Investment: Rs 223 crore
- Area: 58,000 square metres
- Capacity: 525 beds
- Facilities: 13 state-of-the-art operation theatres
Minister of State for Health Praful Pansheriya added that plans are also in place to establish a specialized Spine Hospital within the same complex in the coming years to help middle- and low-income families access world-class care locally.
Commitment to a 'Swasth Gujarat'
The overall initiative involves the inauguration and foundation-stone-laying of around 255 healthcare facilities across the state, ensuring that quality medical services reach even the most remote areas. Minister Pansheriya lauded the efforts of ASHA workers and doctors, noting Gujarat's success in controlling malaria, the Chandipura virus, and tuberculosis, as well as reducing maternal and child mortality.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that Gujarat’s hospitals currently rank first in India for organ donation and maintain a robust emergency response system with over 1,400 ambulances under the 108 Emergency Service.
Closing his address, Chief Minister Patel urged healthcare professionals to look beyond diagnosis and treatment, calling on them to provide emotional support and build confidence in patients. He urged a collective effort to build a “Swasth Gujarat” (Healthy Gujarat) to contribute to the vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047.”