Uttar Pradesh Sets Sights on Becoming North India's Premier Healthcare Hub
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced ambitious plans to position Uttar Pradesh as the leading healthcare and medical technology center for northern India. He made this declaration while inaugurating the Health Tech Conclave 1.0 in Lucknow on Sunday.
Adityanath stated that Uttar Pradesh will serve not just its own population of 25 crore people but also address the healthcare needs of over 35 crore individuals across India and neighboring states. The state government is pushing forward with this vision through concrete infrastructure projects and digital innovation.
Major Infrastructure Projects Underway
The Chief Minister revealed that two significant projects are progressing rapidly. A Medical Device Park is being developed in the Yamuna Authority region, while a Bulk Drug Pharma Park is taking shape in Lalitpur. Adityanath emphasized that these initiatives are moving forward at what he called a "war footing level."
He expressed confidence that these projects would help shift India's manufacturing focus from 'Make in India' to 'Make for the World' in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.
Digital Platform Launched to Streamline Research
During the event, Adityanath officially inaugurated the UP-IMRAS digital platform. This Integrated Medical Research Application System represents a major technological advancement for medical research in the state.
Officials explained that UP-IMRAS is designed to simplify, streamline, and bring transparency to research processes involving clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The platform allows researchers to submit all proposals, applications, and permission requests online.
The entire review, approval, and monitoring process by Institutional Ethics Committees will now occur digitally through this system. This eliminates much of the paperwork and delays traditionally associated with medical research approvals.
Standard Operating Procedures Released
Alongside the digital platform launch, the Chief Minister released a comprehensive book detailing Standard Operating Procedures for Institutional Ethics Committees. This document outlines SOPs for 22 distinct procedures, ensuring uniformity, ethical compliance, and quality across all clinical trials and related research processes in the state.
Officials claimed this initiative represents the first organized effort of its kind not only in Uttar Pradesh but globally. They believe it marks a significant step toward strengthening the state's international standing in medical research and health technology.
Healthcare Transformation Over Eight Years
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath highlighted the state's healthcare transformation over the past eight-and-a-half years. He noted that medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh have increased dramatically from just 40 before 2017 to 81 fully functional institutions today.
The healthcare infrastructure expansion includes two AIIMS institutions, over 100 district hospitals, hundreds of Community Health Centers and Primary Health Centers, and an extensive network of health and wellness centers. This expansion ensures accessible healthcare even in remote areas of the state.
Welfare Initiatives and Disease Control
The Chief Minister detailed several welfare initiatives that have improved healthcare access. Ayushman Golden Cards have been issued to 5.5 crore families, providing free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family. Families not covered by this scheme receive support through the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Adityanath reported significant improvements in maternal and infant mortality rates. Several districts have achieved full control over tuberculosis, and the state has made remarkable progress in controlling vector-borne diseases.
Encephalitis deaths have been reduced to zero, while dengue, malaria, and kala-azar cases have seen substantial declines. These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of the state's public health initiatives.
Future Plans Focus on Technology
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of technology in healthcare delivery. He stressed plans to implement telemedicine and AI-based screening at the village level to improve early diagnosis and enhance quality of life for residents.
These technological interventions aim to bring advanced healthcare capabilities to even the most remote communities in Uttar Pradesh.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also attended the Health Tech Conclave, showing unified government support for these healthcare initiatives. The event marked a significant step in Uttar Pradesh's journey toward becoming a healthcare hub for northern India.
