Prayagraj's Healthcare Transformation: Facility Expansion, New Infrastructure in 8 Years

Prayagraj: In the past eight years, Prayagraj's healthcare has undergone a significant transformation, with substantial investments in infrastructure and medical services. The combination of various state and central government health schemes has led to significant improvements in medical treatment and services, making it more accessible for residents to receive quality healthcare.

Medical dialogues had earlier reported that in a move to ensure the health and well-being of devotees attending the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government is investing over Rs 77.5 crore to provide essential medical care. The government has directed its officials to finalize by December 15 all healthcare preparations for the religious fair, scheduled in January.

Also Read: UP to invest over Rs 77 crore to boost health facilities at Mahakumbh

Dr Mishra also mentioned the considerable budget allocated for the Maha Kumbh event, which amounted to Rs 75 crore. This budget has been used to construct new medical infrastructure, purchase modern medical equipment, and improve services at the medical college.

According to TOI, Dr Mishra said, "New OPD has been constructed in Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital from the same budget. With the construction of the Central Diagnostic Center on the campus at a cost of Rs 9 crore, all the tests are being conducted in one place."

Furthermore, a Rs 36 crore project to construct an L1 Trauma Center has been approved, which will greatly alleviate pressure on emergency services and enhance trauma care in the region. As part of this effort, the college has allocated Rs 16 crore to purchase new medical equipment for treatment and diagnostics. A Green Corridor, costing Rs 7 crore, has also been established to ensure that patients can be safely transferred between hospital blocks, regardless of weather conditions. With these advancements, MLN Medical College now handles between 3,000 and 4,000 outpatient department (OPD) visits daily.

The expansion of healthcare services isn't limited to urban centers alone. Dr AK Tiwari, Chief Medical Officer of Prayagraj, highlighted the creation of three Community Health Centers (CHCs) over the past eight years in Sangam City. These CHCs, alongside the 100-bed hospital in Bhagwatpur, have greatly enhanced access to medical care in rural areas.

The district has also seen the establishment of 551 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which provide primary healthcare services and facilitate telemedicine consultations. These Arogya Mandirs have been especially beneficial for residents in remote areas, allowing them to consult with specialist doctors.

Also Read: UP's first super speciality hospital to come up in Prayagraj with Rs 100 crore investment

According to the Hindustan Times, similarly, 12 Health ATMs have been established in the district. With their help, many types of testing facilities are available to the patient at one place. During the same period, three wings of Model Maternal and Child Health (MCH) wings were built, which include 100 beds in Dufferin Hospital and 30 beds each in Phulpur, Ram Nagar, and Manda CHCs. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, golden cards of 13,64,416 beneficiaries have been made in the district so far, said the CMO.