UP Launches IMRAS, Aims to Become National Healthcare Hub: Yogi Adityanath
UP Launches IMRAS, Aims to Be National Healthcare Hub

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made a significant announcement on Sunday in Lucknow. He declared that Uttar Pradesh has evolved beyond its massive population of 25 crore. The state now stands as the primary healthcare hub for neighboring regions and other parts of India.

Launch of UP-IMRAS at HealthTech Conclave

Speaking at the UP HealthTech Conclave, the Chief Minister introduced UP-IMRAS. This integrated medical research application system is designed specifically for Uttar Pradesh residents. It will streamline clinical trials for new pharmaceutical products and medical devices before their market launch.

Yogi Adityanath emphasized the government's ambitious vision. The goal is to transform Uttar Pradesh into a national and global center for medical technology, healthcare innovation, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Substantial Growth in Medical Infrastructure

The Chief Minister provided concrete data to showcase the state's progress. Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh had only 40 medical colleges, operated by both government and private entities. That number has now more than doubled to 81 colleges, actively serving the educational needs of medical students.

He also highlighted the expansion of treatment facilities. Two new AIIMS institutions are now operational in Rae Bareli and Gorakhpur. The state's network includes 100 district hospitals, along with hundreds of community health centers and primary healthcare centers. These facilities provide daily care to lakhs of people across Uttar Pradesh.

Success of Health Schemes and Disease Control

Adityanath pointed to the positive outcomes of the PM Arogya scheme. Financial assistance is now reaching families who previously struggled to afford medical services. The government has distributed Ayushman cards to 5.5 crore families. These cards help cover treatment costs up to Rs 5 lakh.

For families not covered under the central scheme, the state offers the UP CM Jan Arogya scheme. This program provides support without any discrimination, ensuring broader healthcare access.

The Chief Minister detailed several public health achievements. Through consistent monitoring and teamwork, Uttar Pradesh has significantly reduced its infant mortality rate. This was achieved by effectively managing institutional deliveries.

Special outreach drives successfully connected with tuberculosis patients. Sustained campaigns have brought diseases like encephalitis, dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and kala-azar under control. Notably, no deaths from encephalitis have been recorded in the state over the past two years, marking a major public health victory.

Future Plans: AI and Private Sector Role

Looking ahead, Yogi Adityanath outlined the next phase of development. Private players are expected to create platforms that use artificial intelligence and technology. These platforms will enable early screening of the rural population.

He acknowledged a current challenge, stating that villagers often travel 30 to 40 kilometers to reach hospitals with specialized facilities. The new initiatives aim to bridge this gap.

The Chief Minister also highlighted upcoming infrastructure projects. He described the medical device park along the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida and the pharmaceutical park in Lalitpur as potential game-changers for the sector.

Yogi Adityanath assured all stakeholders of time-bound approvals and comprehensive support at every stage. He encouraged private players to actively explore the vast opportunities that Uttar Pradesh now offers in the healthcare and medical technology fields.

Event Proceedings and Additional Launch

The conclave saw the presence of key officials. Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak attended, along with Principal Secretary of the department Amit Ghosh and Drugs Controller of India Rajiv Raghuvanshi.

During the event, the Chief Minister also unveiled a new book. This publication is dedicated to standard operating procedures based on the institutional ethics committee. It focuses on the 22 essential procedures required to ensure uniformity and compliance in clinical trials across the state.