Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that adopting a disciplined and balanced lifestyle is a powerful tool to prevent and manage chronic kidney diseases. He made these remarks while inaugurating the 54th annual conference of the Indian Society of Nephrology at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) in Lucknow on Thursday.
A Call for Strategy to Protect the Young
The Chief Minister underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and well-planned strategy to protect young children, who are becoming increasingly susceptible to kidney-related ailments. He stated that proactive measures rooted in daily discipline are crucial for long-term renal health.
Drawing a parallel to the state's recent public health success, CM Yogi pointed out that Uttar Pradesh had demonstrated its capability to overcome major challenges by successfully eliminating encephalitis within a two-year period. He presented this as a testament to what focused governance and coordinated implementation can achieve in the healthcare domain.
Transforming Uttar Pradesh's Health Infrastructure
Reflecting on the state's healthcare journey, the CM presented a stark contrast between the pre-2017 era and the present. He recalled a time when the health sector was plagued by neglect, financial shortages, and crumbling infrastructure, with government hospitals often synonymous with chaos and unhygienic conditions.
"After 2017, we ensured that no government hospital in the state, including SGPGI, faced any shortage of funds," CM Yogi asserted. He highlighted the monumental leap in medical education infrastructure, noting that between 1947 and 2017, Uttar Pradesh had only 17 medical colleges. Today, approximately 80 medical colleges serve the state's population of nearly 25 crore.
He commended SGPGI for its enduring service to humanity since its establishment.
Emphasis on Daily Activity and Medical Advancements
Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak, also present at the event, reinforced the message of preventive healthcare. He likened the human body to a vehicle, stating that just as a machine rusts without use, the body requires regular activity to stay healthy. "Walking for 45 minutes daily has a positive impact on health," he advised, advocating for a consistent routine to ward off diseases.
Prof. RK Dhiman, Director of SGPGI, announced significant medical advancements pioneered by the institute. "We have started the first interventional nephrology program in the country and have now begun robotic kidney transplant procedures, which have increased transplant success rates," he revealed.
Other dignitaries, including Society President Prof. Harvir Singh Kohli, Secretary Dr. Shyam Bihari Bansal, and Head of Nephrology Prof. Narayan Prasad, shared their insights on nephrology care. State Minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh extended a warm invitation to the conference attendees to experience the famed culinary culture of Lucknow.
During the ceremony, CM Yogi Adityanath conferred the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. Mohan Raja Purkar. Additionally, 19 doctors were honored with the fellowship of the Indian Society of Nephrology, recognizing their contributions to the field.
