In a significant move aimed at reshaping the future of medical services, the Uttar Pradesh government convened a major stakeholder consultation in Lucknow on Monday. The event marked a crucial step in developing a long-term Health and Medical Education Roadmap as part of the ambitious Viksit UP @2047 initiative.
Building a Citizen-Centric Health System
The consultation brought together a formidable assembly of over 700 participants, including health experts, government officials, and industry representatives. The core objective was to forge an evidence-driven and citizen-focused healthcare strategy for the state for the next two decades. Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak, addressing the gathering, emphasized Uttar Pradesh's pivotal role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Minister Pathak highlighted the state government's substantial achievements in expanding healthcare infrastructure. He pointed to the establishment of more than 25,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the operationalization of 3,500 primary health centres, the creation of 200 specialty hospitals, and a significant boost in medical education with 81 medical colleges now functioning in the state.
Thematic Focus and Future Goals
The day-long consultation was structured around nine critical thematic sessions designed to cover every facet of public health. Key discussion areas included:
- Maternal and child health
- The integration of digital healthcare and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Achieving universal health coverage
- Mental health and comprehensive disease management
Officials detailed ongoing efforts to further improve key health indicators. The government is actively working to increase institutional deliveries and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. A major focus remains on expanding district and community health services to ensure that rural and remote populations receive timely and quality medical care.
Health as the Foundation for a Developed UP
State Minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh underscored the intrinsic link between public health and economic progress. He stated that a healthy population forms the essential foundation for economic development and that robust healthcare will play a decisive role in building a developed Uttar Pradesh.
The government announced that the expert recommendations and insights gathered from this large-scale consultation will be meticulously compiled. This will lead to the finalization of the Viksit UP @2047 – Health Vision Document. The document will be accompanied by actionable short-term, medium-term, and long-term roadmaps with clear milestones for the years 2030, 2036, and 2047.
This strategic planning exercise signifies Uttar Pradesh's commitment to not only expanding healthcare infrastructure but also modernizing its medical education system and leveraging technology to create a sustainable and equitable health ecosystem for its massive population.
