Indore, April 10 (IANS). Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Friday said the state is moving ahead with plans to set up an exclusive regional medical hub along the Indore-Ujjain corridor, aimed at strengthening health services and promoting medical tourism.
Speaking at a stakeholder consultation workshop on the proposed health and wellness tourism corridor in Indore, Deputy CM Shukla said the initiative is part of the national vision under the leadership of PM Modi to develop specialized medical hubs across the country.
“The work of developing a regional medical hub in Madhya Pradesh has already started. This will improve health facilities, promote medical tourism and generate employment opportunities,” Shukla said.
He said that Indore-Ujjain corridor is ideal for this project. On one side is Omkareshwar Jyotirling and on the other side is Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. A large number of people visit both these places for darshan, so this area is naturally suitable. Indore is also a major educational centre.
The Deputy CM said the proposed hub will focus on providing world-class, affordable healthcare services using modern technology, as well as promote wellness and AYUSH-based treatments.
He further said that its objective is to provide quality treatment to patients coming from within the country and abroad and to showcase India’s medical capabilities at the global level. India already holds a strong position in the Medical Tourism Index and Wellness Index, and this new hub will further strengthen this position.
He said the project will also improve patient care, rehabilitation services and AYUSH facilities in the state. This sector has expanded rapidly under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Madhya Pradesh is also benefiting from this, where wellness centers are opening in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
He also pointed to the success of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in providing free treatment to millions of people.
He further said that the improvement in health infrastructure within the state has reduced the need for patients to travel to metro cities. Earlier people had to go to cities like Mumbai for organ transplant, but now such facilities are available in Indore only.
The Deputy CM also expressed concern about public health and said that contaminated drinking water is a major cause of diseases. He suggested promoting natural farming practices, including the use of organic inputs, to improve soil health and overall health outcomes.
–IANS
ASH/DKP