CM Naidu inaugurates 600-bed MCH Centre at Guntur Government General Hospital
Naidu Opens GMCANA-Funded Mother and Child Health Centre in Guntur
Guntur: The GMCANA Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Centre at the Guntur Government General Hospital (GGH) was inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday, marking a major boost to public healthcare infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. The state-of-the-art facility has been established with substantial support from the Guntur Medical College Alumni of North America (GMCANA).
The five-storeyed MCH block, spread across 2,69,245 square feet, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 127 crore. Of this, Rs 100 crore was contributed by GMCANA, while the State government provided Rs 27 crore towards advanced medical equipment and furniture. The centre houses 600 beds, including 300 dedicated to obstetrics and 200 for paediatrics, along with specialised units such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
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Speaking to TOI, he said, "It is commendable that those who became global citizens have not forgotten the institution that shaped them and have come forward to establish a major mother and childcare facility".
Highlighting India’s long tradition of philanthropy, the Chief Minister said people have historically donated to schools, hospitals, temples, choultries, and playgrounds. Drawing a contrast with Western societies, he noted that while children in the US become independent at 18, Indian parents continue to mentor and support their children throughout life.
Recalling his first tenure as Chief Minister in 1995, Naidu said concerns were raised about doctors migrating to the US, leading to fears of “brain drain.” However, he said he had then predicted a “brain gain,” which has now become evident through voluntary contributions made by Non-Resident Indians for public healthcare infrastructure. He cited donations of Rs 16 crore for the Millennium Block in Guntur, Rs 60 crore for the Centurion Block at Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, Rs 40 crore for the Kakinada hospital, and Rs 20 crore for Kurnool Medical College.
Naidu highlighted the P4 model (People, Public, Private, Partnership) as a strategy to reduce economic inequality. He explained that education remains the ultimate game-changer, citing Ambedkar and Abdul Kalam as examples of how financial support can elevate individuals to great heights. He urged Non-Resident Andhras (NRAs) to extend similar support to the poor, ensuring inclusive growth and bridging the gap between rich and poor, reports TNIE.
The Chief Minister also launched the Sanjeevani Project, a digital healthcare initiative aimed at digitising health records and enabling real-time patient monitoring. He said a pilot project in Kuppam had already covered 70,000 people and that the programme would be expanded across the State by 2026.
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