CM Mohan Yadav : Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, stressing the need to free citizens from the financial burden of medical expenses. He highlighted continuous efforts to improve healthcare services for all sections of society. The Prime Minister made these remarks at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Shri Bageshwar Dham Medical Science & Research Institute, a ₹218 crore project in Garha, Chhatarpur district.
Warm Greetings in Bundeli Dialect
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi greeted the people in Bundeli dialect, saying, “Mori taraf se doi haath jod ke Ram Ram.” He expressed his happiness at visiting the land of warriors twice in the last 60 days. He noted that Bageshwar Dham, a center of faith, is now transforming into a hub for healthcare as well. He praised the Shri Bageshwar Dham Jan Seva Samiti for its initiative in building a cancer hospital and commended Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri for leading this noble cause.
Advocacy for Preventive Healthcare
The Prime Minister encouraged people above 30 to undergo regular health check-ups and consult medical professionals if needed. He urged citizens to avoid harmful substances such as tobacco, gutkha, and pan masala, emphasizing their severe health risks.
Ayushman Bharat: Ensuring Free Medical Treatment
PM Modi recalled how, before 2014, financial constraints prevented many from seeking medical care. To address this, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme was launched, offering free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per person. He also highlighted the scheme’s recent expansion to cover senior citizens above 70 years and urged people to report any corruption or bribery in its implementation.
Expansion of Healthcare Services
PM Modi underscored efforts to make medicines affordable through PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, offering discounts of up to 80%. He announced a budget reduction for cancer treatment costs and revealed plans to establish cancer daycare centers in every district within three years. Additionally, he highlighted the opening of over 1,500 dialysis centers across 700 districts to provide free kidney treatment.
Cleanliness, Mahakumbh, and Eye Care Initiatives
The Prime Minister praised the role of sanitation workers in maintaining cleanliness at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and lauded security personnel for their service. He also highlighted the success of Netra Mahakumbh, where over 2 lakh people received eye check-ups, 1.5 lakh received free medicines and spectacles, and 16,000 underwent cataract surgeries.
Bageshwar Dham: A Hub for Faith and Healthcare
PM Modi commended Pandit Dhirendra Shastri’s dedication to promoting social welfare and healthcare awareness. He pledged to attend the inauguration of the upcoming cancer hospital.
Medical Science & Research Institute: A Landmark Initiative
CM Mohan Yadav emphasized that the Shri Bageshwar Dham Medical Science & Research Institute will be a milestone in providing free healthcare to the underprivileged. He credited PM Modi’s leadership for major projects like the Ken-Betwa river linking and lauded India’s economic rise under his tenure.
India as a Vishwa Mitra
Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri remarked that India, guided by great sages in the past, is now emerging as a Vishwa Mitra (Global Friend) under PM Modi’s leadership. He called the cancer hospital a historic gift for Bundelkhand and noted that, for the first time, a temple is hosting a hospital, which will later expand into a medical college. He also announced that one hospital ward would be named after PM Modi’s mother and bestowed blessings upon him.
Hospital to be Completed in Three Years
The Shri Bageshwar Dham Medical Science & Research Institute will span 25 acres and provide critical support for cancer patients in Bundelkhand. The first phase will feature a 100-bed facility with state-of-the-art medical equipment, offering free cancer treatment. The hospital will also include a food court, exhibition area, shops, solar-powered parking, and a Dharamshala. Advanced medical services like pathology, CT scans, MRI, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy will be available.
Honoring the Prime Minister
During the ceremony, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri presented PM Modi with a Hanumat Yantra, an idol of Shri Balaji, a book on Sanatan Dharma, and an introduction booklet of Bageshwar Dham. Saint Swami Ram Bhadracharya also offered literary works and a sacred shawl as a mark of respect.