The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today participated in two major healthcare events in Coimbatore, highlighting India’s ongoing transformation in the health sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The Vice President inaugurated the KMCH Institute of Neurosciences and OPD Block, along with the KMCH Medical College Postgraduate Institute, at Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH). Subsequently, he presided as the Chief Guest at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital and the 25th anniversary of Ramakrishna Dental College & Hospital, held at CODISSIA Hall, Coimbatore.

Addressing both gatherings, the Vice President said that these institutions stand as powerful examples of how quality healthcare, medical education, and compassion together strengthen the nation. He emphasised that healthcare is not merely a service sector, but a Nation Building Mission.
 

He underlined the crucial role played by credible and quality private healthcare institutions in complementing government initiatives and ensuring last-mile delivery. The Vice President said that private medical institutions, along with government institutions, will play a major role in India’s journey towards Healthy India and Viksit Bharat @2047.

Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan noted that India is witnessing historic reforms in healthcare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Referring to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Vice President said it has emerged as the world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme, providing free medical coverage to nearly 50 crore citizens and substantially reducing the financial burden on poor families. He also highlighted the establishment of Health and Wellness Centres across the country, strengthening preventive and primary healthcare, including mental health, elder care, and the management of non-communicable diseases.

The Vice President observed that addressing the shortage of medical professionals remains a national priority. He noted that MBBS seats have increased significantly in the last decade, with plans to add 75,000 more seats by 2029. He said that over 300 new medical colleges have been established nationwide in the last decade, ensuring that medical education reaches beyond major metropolitan centres.

Speaking at the inauguration of the KMCH Institute of Neurosciences, Shri Radhakrishnan said neurological disorders pose a growing global public health challenge. He described the new institute, equipped with advanced neuro-navigation and robotic surgery facilities, as a timely and visionary initiative that brings world-class healthcare closer to the people.

Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, the Vice President lauded the institution’s Guinness World Record in 2016, when over 13,206 organ donation pledges were collected in just eight hours.

Emphasising India’s civilisational wisdom, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan said that good health has always been regarded as the greatest wealth in Indian thought. He reiterated that “Healthy India is the foundation of Viksit Bharat”, adding that healthcare expenditure should be viewed not as a cost, but as an investment in the nation’s future.

The Vice President also interacted with people at both events and extended Pongal greetings to all.

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PR/ASM