Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 30 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several health projects at King George Medical University (KGMU), stating that the time has come to expand medical facilities beyond metropolitan regions.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Yogi said, ‘Disease is neutral. Wherever there is a gap, it will attack and engulf you. We used to see the same situation in Uttar Pradesh when people used to get easily affected by disease. But now, as you have seen, it has been raining for the last month. Yet there is no such situation of any communicable infection anywhere.’

He added that the state government had permitted KGMU to set up a satellite centre in Balrampur, where a medical college is expected to start functioning in the current or next academic session. ‘The time has come to provide medical facilities to areas outside the metropolitan facilities. Today in nursing and paramedical, new nursing colleges are being set up in UP,’ he said.

The Chief Minister further noted that India’s progress over the last 11 years has been recognised globally.

CM Yogi also held a meeting with officials from the Higher Education Department. Highlighting the development of healthcare institutions, he said, ‘Today, there are 23 AIIMS in the country. AIIMS is not only a medical centre and educational institution but also gives pace to the progress in the health sector. KGMU is also moving ahead in that direction. Today, in the 75 districts of the state, we are moving forward for the “one district, one medical college” vision.’

Earlier on Monday, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the Kanwar Yatra during the sacred month of Shravan. Emphasising the significance of the pilgrimage, he directed officials to remain alert, sensitive, and proactive to ensure a peaceful, secure, and dignified environment for devotees.

He underscored that the safety and convenience of devotees are among the top priorities of the state government. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure proper arrangements along the Yatra route, including cleanliness, medical services, drinking water, canteens, rest areas, and toilets. Special attention was given to the safety and comfort of women Kanwariyas, with a directive for the effective deployment of women police personnel.

(ANI)