Gorakhpur: Launching a fresh attack on previous govts, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said earlier regimes promoted a “one district, one mafia” culture, while his govt has significantly strengthened the healthcare infrastructure by establishing medical colleges and expanding access to quality treatment.Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of Astromedics Super Speciality Hospital in the city, Yogi said every district is now being equipped with better healthcare infrastructure and medical colleges are being established across the state.The CM drew a contrast between previous govts and the current administration, remarking that while earlier regimes promoted a “one district, one mafia” culture, the present govt has introduced initiatives such as “one district, one medical college”, “one district, one product” and “one district, one cuisine”.The chief minister highlighted the impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which eligible beneficiaries receive free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. He added that the state govt has also extended health coverage to sections left out of the central scheme and provides Rs 1,200-1,500 crore annually through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the treatment of needy patients.Recalling the healthcare situation before 2017, he said the govt hospitals lacked critical facilities such as ICU beds, dialysis units andadvanced blood bank services. Today, he said, both public and private hospitals in Gorakhpur offer modern healthcare services, with more than two dozen hospitals equipped with ICU facilities.The chief minister also paid tribute to former minister Markandey Chand, describing him as a devoted follower of Gorakshapeeth. He unveiled Chand’s statue on the hospital premises and said the institution established by his family would help carry forward his legacy of public service.MLC and hospital chairman CP Chand said the project was inspired by the chief minister’s vision of strengthening healthcare services in the state.
