THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi/Ranchi, January 22: Jharkhand’s healthcare system is set for a major transformation after the Central Government granted in-principle approval to several key proposals aimed at strengthening and modernising the state’s health infrastructure.
Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari held an hour-long meeting with Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Pratap Rao Jadhav in New Delhi on Thursday. Ajay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Jharkhand, was also present during the discussions.
The Centre responded positively to the proposals, paving the way for Jharkhand to emerge as a regional health hub.
Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Approved
Despite its rich biodiversity and abundance of medicinal plants, Jharkhand has not had an Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital even after two decades of statehood. Raising the issue strongly, Dr Ansari proposed the establishment of one government and one private Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital.
The Central Government granted in-principle approval for setting up an Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in the state, marking a major push for AYUSH education and treatment.
Japanese Technology-Based High-Tech Labs
The Centre also agreed to a proposal for establishing state-of-the-art high-tech laboratories based on Japanese technology in all medical colleges across Jharkhand, including Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
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Dr Ansari said the aim is to make Jharkhand’s healthcare system hi-tech so that patients no longer need to travel outside the state or abroad for advanced diagnostic tests.
Increase in MBBS and PG Seats
To address the shortage of doctors, the state proposed increasing MBBS seats from 100 to 250, along with the expansion of postgraduate seats in medical colleges, including SNMCH Dhanbad and MGM Medical College, Jamshedpur.
The Union Minister assured that the proposal would move forward after inspection by an expert team.
Health Cottages to Be Built in All Districts
The Centre approved the construction of Wellness Health Centres, also known as Health Cottages, in all districts of Jharkhand. Funding will be shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and the State.
Dr Ansari said the health cottages would provide better treatment in a cleaner and patient-friendly environment, boosting public trust in government hospitals.
Central Support for Abua Health Scheme
The Union Health Minister also agreed to extend support to Jharkhand’s Abua Health Scheme, under which beneficiaries receive free treatment up to ₹15 lakh.
The Centre has asked the state government to submit the names of two hospitals immediately to initiate support under the scheme.
Centre Praises Jharkhand’s Health Model
Union Minister Pratap Rao Jadhav praised Jharkhand’s health initiatives, stating that the state is receiving a new direction under Dr Ansari’s leadership. He assured that the Centre would provide Jharkhand its full entitlement without discrimination and accepted an invitation to visit the state soon to review health schemes.
‘Historic Meeting,’ Says Health Minister
Calling the meeting historic, Dr Irfan Ansari said the approvals would give a new impetus to Jharkhand’s health sector. He added that the Ayurvedic Medical College and increased medical seats would help create a strong pool of skilled doctors for the state.
Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar said all required documentation would be completed swiftly to ensure early implementation of the approved proposals.