![Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot along with other ministers during the launch of mobile cancer diagnosis vehicles. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot along with other ministers during the launch of mobile cancer diagnosis vehicles.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/page7-5-14.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAIPUR, Aug 23: Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today laid the foundation stone of 32 works related to medical colleges and buildings of 3 nursing colleges at a cost of Rs 887 crore. Along with this, 36 works worth Rs 379 crore were also inaugurated. He also flagged off 6 mobile cancer diagnosis vans prepared at a cost of Rs 7.15 crore.
Addressing the foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremony of 68 development works worth Rs 1266 crore from his residence, Gehlot said that with full commitment and sensitivity, a strong infrastructure has been created in the medical and health sector. As a result of effective implementation of health schemes, excellent medical facilities have been provided to villages and towns, he added.
The CM said that Rajasthan has become the only state in the country to provide free medicines and check-up facilities including Chief Minister Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme for free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh. “More than 50 lakh patients have been treated under the Chiranjeevi scheme. Every day 1.50 lakh tests are as well as expensive treatments like heart, liver and bone marrow transplant are being done free of cost in the State,” the Gehlot added.
The CM said that country’s tallest IPD tower with 1200 beds is being constructed at Sawai Mansingh Hospital at a cost of Rs 538 crore. “In the year 2018, MBBS seats have increased from 1850 to 3830 now and in PG from 960 to 1690 seats. In four years, 26 new nursing colleges were opened, thereby increasing 1,560 nursing seats,” he said, adding, the State Government has now decided to set up medical colleges in three districts of Rajsamand, Jalore and Pratapgarh.
Gehlot said that Institute of Neuro Sciences and Institute of Ophthalmology would be established in Jaipur at a cost of about Rs 300 crore. Along with this, Institute of Paediatrics, Neonatology and Maternity has been approved in Kota and Ajmer. Regional Cancer Institute is being constructed in Jodhpur.
Before the foundation stone laying and inauguration ceremony, the CM flagged off 6 mobile cancer diagnosis vehicles prepared by spending Rs 7.15 crore for early detection of cancer from the Chief Minister’s residence.
Urban Development Minister Shanti Dhariwal, Agriculture Minister Lalchand Kataria, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Govind Ram Meghwal and MLA Rafiq Khan were also present on the occasion.