Centre to set up integrated labs in over 600 dists, says Prime Minister Modi

DHEKIAJULI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the Centre is to set up integrated laboratories in over 600 districts across the country.

"This is aimed at bringing healthcare to people's doorstep. People from small towns and rural areas will benefit the most. They will no longer have to travel long distances for basic medical tests," he said laying foundation of two medical colleges in Assam virtually from here.

"There was a time when people of Assam had to travel hours together for healthcare. People of Assam were always worried about medical emergencies. In seven decades after Independence there were only six medical colleges in Assam till 2016. However, work on six more medical colleges have started in Assam over the past five years. Thousands of students will become doctors from these institutions in next few years," Modi said.

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He also said the construction work of All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) campus in Guwahati will be completed within one and a half years.

Wondering why the earlier governments never laid emphasis on healthcare infrastructure or never felt the benefits of AIIMS in Guwahati, Modi lauded the incumbent governments' initiatives to improve healthcare facilities in the state.

He also spoke about the benefits of government sponsored programmes in healthcare sector saying: "In Assam, about 1.25 cr people are benfited by the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Over 350 Assam hospitals are affiliated to the programme. Assam government’s Atal Amrit Abhiyan is also benefitting not only the needy people but also others."