Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at previous governments for neglecting eastern Uttar Pradesh and said Kashi’s identity has for long been that of a centre of religion and spirituality but it will now emerge as a big centre of healthcare.
The prime minister was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.
Reciting the Sanskrit couplet “Tamaso ma jyotirgamay (lead me from darkness to light)”, Modi also said that he was feeling “blessed” to be back in Varanasi again.
"Kashi has always been a center of religion and culture, and now it is becoming a leader in health services. Kashi is emerging as a major healthcare hub in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
“For a long time, Kashi’s identity has been that of a centre of religion and spirituality but now, it is also set to emerge as a big centre of healthcare with various top-of-the-line health treatment facilities now available in Varanasi,” the prime minister said.
“In the last 10 years, 25 crore people have emerged from poverty and that is why, our government is paying special attention to ensure people remain healthy,” he said after inaugurating the eye hospital.
“I have just come back after seeing this eye hospital, it is a blend of spirituality and modernity. This hospital will serve the elderly as well as children,” Modi said.
The RJ Sankara Eye Hospital is the 14th hospital to be run by the Kanchi Math in the country. The prime minister met with the Shankaracharya of Kanchi before the inauguration.
He also paid obeisance at the statue of the former Shankaracharya.
The R J Sankara Eye Hospital will benefit people of 20 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as those living in the border areas of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, people associated with the Kanchi Math, said.
Modi is on a day-long visit to Varanasi. He will launch several development initiatives, including multiple airport projects across the country worth over Rs 6,700 crore.
This is PM Modi’s first visit to Varanasi since June 18.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), he will also lay the foundation stone for airport runway expansion, construction of a new terminal building, and other allied work at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which will cost around Rs 2,870 crore.
The PM also remembered his friend and business tycoon Rakesh Jhunjhunwala during the event.
"Jhunjhunwala ji had a unique identity in the business world, but he was also deeply involved in social work. His legacy continues through his family, and this hospital is a testament to that,” he said.
The PM praised Jhunjhunwala's contributions to society, stating that his efforts will serve as an inspiration for many.
He expressed his satisfaction with the improvements in health facilities in Purvanchal over the past decade. "Ten years ago, there were no block-level treatment options for serious diseases like brain fever in Purvanchal. Today, over 100 centers are operational for treating these conditions."
He also mentioned that more than 10,000 beds have been added to primary and community health centers. Additionally, over 5,500 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established in villages, and more than 20 dialysis units are now in operation.
The Prime Minister stated that his government has completely transformed the traditional mindset and approach towards health services.
He identified five key pillars of India's new health policy: prevention before the disease, timely diagnosis of diseases, affordable and free treatment and medications, access to quality treatment and doctors in small towns, advancement of technology.