UP Health Minister Addresses Rising Disease Cases and Healthcare Shortages in Assembly
In the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Health Minister Brajesh Pathak responded to a question from Samajwadi Party member Man Singh Yadav regarding the shortage of facilities for serious illnesses such as cancer and heart ailments. Minister Pathak acknowledged that while the government is actively working to expand healthcare infrastructure, it is also confronting a significant rise in cases of cancer, heart diseases, and particularly kidney disease across the state.
Lifestyle Factors and Patient Preferences Contributing to Challenges
Pathak explained that perceived shortages often stem from patient behavior, with many individuals preferring to seek treatment at specialized institutions like the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) or waiting for consultations with specific doctors. He emphasized that the increasing prevalence of these diseases is largely driven by modern lifestyle factors, including lack of physical exercise, excessive use of mobile phones, and poor dietary habits.
"We were seeing a rise in kidney disease, for which we made sure that at least 10 beds were reserved for kidney patients in each district," stated Pathak, highlighting one of the government's targeted measures to address the growing burden of renal ailments.
Kanya Sumangala Scheme Corruption Allegations Surface
In a separate development, Samajwadi Party MLC Ashutosh Sinha confronted Women and Child Development Minister Baby Rani Maurya over allegations of corruption in the Kanya Sumangala scheme. While Minister Maurya denied any widespread corruption, she admitted that based on complaints from Ayodhya, a three-member inquiry team was established, leading to action against a contractual employee.
Sinha challenged this response, pointing out the contradiction in denying corruption while simultaneously acknowledging disciplinary measures. He referenced a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that alleged corruption amounting to Rs 100 crore within the scheme and demanded detailed information from the government regarding 19 districts where specific charges of wrongdoing have emerged.
Government Announces Drive for Homeless Rehabilitation
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, stepping in for Minister Baby Rani Maurya who was unable to respond, addressed questions concerning the government's responsibility towards homeless adults and children, particularly those from deprived communities. Pathak outlined the administration's commitment to rehabilitation efforts.
He announced in the House that on Thursday itself, he would direct the Chief Secretary to issue orders to all District Magistrates. These directives will mandate the identification of homeless and deprived persons within their jurisdictions, their transportation to shelter homes, and the implementation of measures to ensure their integration into mainstream society.
Proposal for Haj Terminal at Defunct Saharanpur Airport
SP MLC Shahnawaz Khan raised the issue of the Saharanpur Airport, which was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 20, 2024, but has remained largely non-operational for several months. Khan noted that tickets for flights from Saharanpur, including the inaugural service to Gorakhpur, were sold for approximately ten days following the inauguration before operations ceased.
Given that residents from Saharanpur and surrounding areas currently travel to Delhi for Haj and Umrah pilgrimages, Khan proposed the creation of a dedicated Haj Terminal at the underutilized airport to better serve the local Muslim community.
In response, Leader of the House Keshav Prasad Maurya clarified that the airport was made functional under the central government's Udaan scheme and that all necessary facilities are available. However, he noted that flight operations depend on the decisions of private airlines. Maurya assured Khan that the government would examine the proposal for a Haj Terminal and look into the broader matter of reviving airport activity.
