Delhi Chief Minister Unveils Major Healthcare Upgrades and Stress Management Initiative
In a significant move to bolster the capital's medical services, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated a state-of-the-art 10-bed Medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward and a Gastrointestinal High-Definition Video Endoscopy Suite at Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital on Saturday. Simultaneously, she launched an Integrated AYUSH Stress Management Programme and laid the foundation stone for a new Outpatient Department (OPD) building at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), according to an official statement.
Enhancing Critical Care and Diagnostic Capabilities
The newly inaugurated ICU at GTB Hospital is equipped with advanced medical machines and upgraded facilities, designed to provide timely and high-quality treatment for critically ill patients. This addition aims to improve survival rates and recovery outcomes in emergency situations.
Furthermore, the GI HD Video Endoscopy Suite represents a leap forward in diagnostic technology. It will enable faster and more accurate identification of gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, facilitating early detection and prompt intervention, which is crucial for effective treatment plans.
Addressing the Silent Epidemic of Stress
Highlighting the escalating stress levels in contemporary lifestyles, Chief Minister Gupta described it as a "silent epidemic" that adversely affects students, working professionals, and the elderly. In response, the government has decided to operationalise Integrated AYUSH Stress Management OPDs at key institutions, including Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College, Dr B.R. Sur Homoeopathic Medical College, Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, and IHBAS.
These centres will focus on holistic approaches such as yoga, lifestyle counselling, and digital detox interventions, aiming to promote mental well-being and reduce stress-related health issues across the population.
Expanding Hospital Infrastructure and Streamlining Services
Gupta emphasized the government's commitment to upgrading Delhi's healthcare system to world-class standards, stating, "Transforming Delhi's healthcare into a world-class system is our resolve." Efforts will be made to strengthen GTB Hospital's capacity, which is nearly 1,500 beds, by expediting the construction of its rear building, a project that had previously remained incomplete.
Referring to IHBAS as a leading centre for mental healthcare in the country and North India, she noted that the new OPD building will significantly reduce waiting times and streamline consultation, diagnostics, and treatment processes. This upgrade is particularly vital in view of the rising patient load, ensuring more efficient and accessible services.
Government and Officials Express Commitment
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh termed the day as momentous for the capital's health sector, stating that the foundation stone of the IHBAS OPD building reflects the government's dedication to providing accessible, modern, and high-quality healthcare. "The health of Delhi's citizens is our responsibility. I urge all doctors and healthcare workers to continue serving with the same dedication; the Delhi Government stands firmly with you," he affirmed.
The event was attended by Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, Shahdara MLA Sanjay Goel, and senior Health Department officials, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance public health infrastructure in Delhi.
