
CM Yogi praises KGMU's pivotal role in UP's timely Covid-19 response
Yogi Adityanath
on Monday praised King George's Medical University (KGMU) for its pivotal role in responding to the Covid-19 outbreak, marking the beginning of the state's timely and effective pandemic response.
"It was here that testing for the first 100 suspected Covid-19 patients began, making it the first institution in Uttar Pradesh to initiate the tests," said the CM, who was in KGMU to inaugurate and lay the foundation of seven major projects worth Rs 941 crore. The also announced the establishment of a centre of excellence in medical technology at KGMU in collaboration with IIT-Kanpur.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi highlighted the state's commitment to future-ready medical infrastructure and innovation.
"The aim is to involve institutions like KGMU and SGPGI in pioneering research that will help make India self-reliant in healthcare technology," he said.
"These enhancement projects represent more than just infrastructure development, they mark the beginning of a new era in our journey towards a 'Healthy Uttar Pradesh, Strong India,'" Yogi said.
The CM called it a landmark moment for any medical institution, stating that projects worth nearly Rs 1,000 crore reflect the double-engine govt's strong commitment to building world-class healthcare infrastructure in UP.
Emphasizing India's health sector improvement, he said, "Over the past 11 years, India achieved unprecedented growth across all sectors, including healthcare."
He said that KGMU pioneered medical advancements in critical times and is now adopting technology to shape the future.
The CM said KGMU has added a remarkable chapter to its 120-year legacy, emerging as a symbol of medical excellence and national service.
Yogi further noted that the number of AIIMS institutes across the country has increased to 23, and UP is making steady progress with its vision of establishing 75 medical colleges in 75 districts. "In 2024 alone, MBBS courses commenced in 17 new medical colleges, 13 of which are govt-run, marking a major transformation in the state's healthcare system aimed at benefiting the common man," he said.
Highlighting the healthcare expansion in Purvanchal, he said that advanced treatments for diseases like dengue and encephalitis were earlier limited to Lucknow.
Now, facilities like platelets and dialysis are available in every district.
Yogi also announced the setting up of a KGMU satellite centre in Balrampur, saying it's time for metro-level healthcare services to reach smaller cities. This step will reduce the burden on major hospitals in Lucknow and allow patients to receive treatment closer to home.
Expressing satisfaction after interacting with patients, CM Yogi said patient trust is the most valuable asset of any institution.
"It's not a small thing when a patient's confidence itself becomes a part of their healing. I saw that trust in the eyes of patients at KGMU," he remarked.
Concluding his address, he urged doctors and healthcare administrators to remain forward-thinking and stay updated with changing times. "Whether it's an individual or an institution, those who fail to evolve with time are left behind. But those who move forward become a source of inspiration," he said.
Earlier, Yogi inspected the newly launched facilities, interacted with doctors, and visited various wards to check on patients.

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