Dhami govt marks 4 Years with healthcare push: Hospitals begin operations in Pithoragarh & Rudrapur; two new medical colleges in pipeline
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Ahead of the launch, hospital operations have already begun at both sites, setting the groundwork for future academic and healthcare services.
Since taking office on July 4, 2021, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has focused heavily on strengthening the state's medical infrastructure. During his tenure, two government medical colleges have already been made operational, Almora Medical College in 2021 and Haridwar Medical College in 2024.
These institutions have added 200 MBBS seats, raising the total number of first-year medical seats in the state to 625.
Prior to these additions, government medical colleges were already functioning in Srinagar, Dehradun, and Haldwani. The government now aims to expedite the construction of the upcoming colleges in Pithoragarh and Rudrapur. According to Dr. Ashutosh Sayana, director of medical education, hospitals at both locations are already operational, and work is underway to ensure adequate staffing and infrastructure to support the upcoming medical colleges.
Progress on AIIMS Satellite and Cancer Hospital
In a major boost to tertiary healthcare, an AIIMS satellite center in Kichha was also approved during Dhami's tenure and work on it is progressing rapidly. The state has also launched its first air ambulance service through AIIMS Rishikesh, catering to emergency medical needs. Additionally, a 300-bed cancer hospital in Harrawala, Dehradun, has been completed.
Ayushman Scheme a Lifeline for Patients
The Atal Ayushman Uttarakhand Yojana has emerged as a crucial support system for underprivileged families.
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Under the scheme, eligible cardholders receive free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year for critical illnesses like heart disease, kidney disorders, cancer, and diabetes. So far, around 60 lakh Ayushman cards have been issued in the state. Beneficiaries can avail of treatment in over 30,000 reputed government and private hospitals across India.
Highlighting the government's commitment, chief minister Dhami said, 'In hilly areas, people had to travel to big cities even for minor ailments. Our aim is to create a strong healthcare network at the district and tehsil levels. New medical colleges will ensure better treatment for people and open new career opportunities for youth in the medical field.'
With a clear focus on decentralizing healthcare and expanding medical education, the Dhami government is making notable strides in transforming Uttarakhand's health landscape.
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