UP:JP Nadda lays foundation stone of new medical college in Firozabad

Firozabad: The foundation stone of a Rs 120 cr worth new medical college was laid by Health Minister, JP Nadda at a function in Firozabad today.The college is to be built on 2o acres of land.

Speaking at a function organized at Jalesar road, Mr. Nadda announced the launching of a new 'health insurance scheme' for the common man; along with provisions being made for free treatment of the poor, suffering from kidney diseases and cancer.

"The health insurance scheme for the poor would be implemented from April 1, 2017. Under the scheme, every BPL family avail medical service of Rs one lakh, besides there would be free-dialysis facility for them," he added.

The Union Minister for Health, JP Nadda gave the state of Uttar Pradesh a new image of an emerging health hub and declared the union government’s serious intentions in the area of public health. The Minister did this by announcing the establishment of five new medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh and assured that his ministry would constitute a team of doctors to conduct a survey of common illnesses arising out of the labour intensive glass industry of Firozabad and provide suitable remedies.

"We are trying our best to upgrade medical facilities in the country with a special focus on Uttar Pradesh where the services are not in tandem with the burgeoning population. Keeping this in mind, the government plans to open five new medical colleges in UP at Firozabad, Shahjahanpur, Basti and Bahraich," the Minister added.

Prior to his visit to Firozabad, the Health Minister visited Bahraich in the earlier part of day and laid the foundation stone of a medical college.

Out of the Rs.180 cr sanctioned for Firozabad Medical College, Rs 60 cr is to be spent on constructing the building, Rs 40 cr on the student's hostels and Rs.50 cr & Rs 30 cr on purchase of the state of the art medical equipment & up gradation of the district hospital, respectively.

"We hope that the new medical facility will benefit both the youth as well as patients of the area. The young generation will get new avenues of employment in their area. The government is fully committed to building these medical colleges and would provide more budget if the need arises," he said.

The minister speaking about the dire need for more medical institutions said that despite 472 medical colleges and 65,000 students enrolled for medicine, there was need for more. He also spoke of Prime Minister Narendra Modi having given his consent for opening 58 new medical institutions.

Expelled Samajwadi Party (SP) general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Ramgopal Yadav and his son Akshay Yadav, who is also MP from Firozabad, shared the dais with the Health Minister.

Ramgopal Yadav made public his appreciation of the Center's effort in improving health facilities in the state.