CM Yogi highlights importance of recognizing Doctors for their Skills, Patience

Ayodhya: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commended doctors for their unwavering dedication to patient care, even under challenging conditions, during a function at Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Gorakhpur. He stressed that along with the spirit of service towards the patient and attendant, it is very important for a doctor to have patience as well.

The CM said, "It is the responsibility of doctors to respect the faith of common people in them through their hard work and dedication."

According to a UNI report, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects at the medical college and launched various new facilities in public interest on the occasion. He also distributed tablets and smartphones to MBBS and paramedical students.

He highlighted that financial stress has been substantially alleviated with large-scale assistance provided by the government from the Ayushman Yojana and the CM Discretionary Fund. However, he pointed out that the psychological and emotional challenges faced by the sick and their caregivers remain significant. He lamented fights between patients and caregivers.

Emphasising the role of healthcare providers, the CM mentioned that doctors should be recognised not only for their skills and service but also for their patience. He warned that a lapse in a doctor's patience could exacerbate a patient’s problems. He said that a few kind words from a doctor could significantly improve a patient's condition and potentially give them a new lease on life, news agency UNI reported.

He recalled a time when the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur was the sole medical institution serving the entire division.

"At that time, there were no medical colleges in Basti, Ayodhya, Azamgarh, or the Devipatan division," he said.

Yogi said, "Today, medical colleges have been established in numerous districts, including Kushinagar, Deoria, Basti, Siddharth Nagar, Gonda, Bahraich, Ayodhya, Ambedkarnagar, Sultanpur, Amethi and Azamgarh. Medical colleges have commenced operations under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in Maharajganj, Shamli, and Sambhal. The process of constructing medical colleges is also underway in Balrampur and Ballia", adds UNI.

He highlighted the state's rapid progress towards the goal of one district-one medical college. "This year, Uttar Pradesh will see admissions for over 10,500 MBBS seats. This is expected to significantly alleviate the shortage of doctors in the state. The government has established new medical colleges across the state. The government has also equipped existing institutions with top-tier facilities and resources. These enhancements in healthcare facilities have led to remarkable progress," he said.

The CM highlighted that as per the National Health Survey, the maternal mortality rate in UP has dramatically decreased from 285 in 2011-2014 to 150-165 today. "Similarly, the infant mortality rate has fallen from 57 per thousand live births to between 30 and 35," he said.

He stressed the importance of continuous efforts to achieve excellence in the health and medical sector. He urged for ongoing updates and integration of new research and technology to maintain and further these advancements.

During the inauguration event, the CM recounted the institution's dramatic transformation over the past 30-35 years. He recalled a time when the college's degree and recognition were at risk, and encephalitis posed a severe threat to children in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Facilities were dire, with overcrowded wards, insufficient beds, and poor sanitation.

He shared his personal involvement in advocating for improvements since he first became an MP in 1998. "The efforts have led to significant changes over the last six to seven years. The college has seen a remarkable turnaround, with only forty encephalitis patients admitted this year with no fatalities. He praised the inter-departmental coordination and teamwork that have made encephalitis control a model for the nation and the world," he said.

During his address, Yogi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his significant contributions to BRD Medical College. He credited PM Modi with providing a super specialty block to tackle the encephalitis crisis, establishing an ICMR regional centre for critical investigations and approving the opening of AIIMS in Gorakhpur in 2016.

The CM shared his experiences of interacting with patients, noting that despite the construction of medical colleges in nearby districts, patients from those areas, as well as Bihar and Nepal, continue to place their trust in BRD Medical College. He highlighted the institution's growing reputation, stating that BRD is now competing with AIIMS, a renowned name in the medical field. To maintain this competitive edge.

He underscored the importance of digital platforms in the medical and health sectors. He suggested forming MoUs with key institutions to deliver services through digital methods. "To equip medical students with digital skills, the government is providing tablets and smartphones, aiming to empower the youth and support their aspirations," he said.

During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected various facilities at BRD Medical College, interacted with patients, and distributed fruits while wishing them a speedy recovery.

He also visited the Emergency Life Support Lab and inquired about emergency treatment from the doctors there.