Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the 5th Foundation Day celebrations of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) on Saturday. The event was held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in the state capital, where he emphasized the need for empathetic doctor-patient relations and equitable access to healthcare, particularly for the underprivileged.
Call for Better Patient Care and Dignified Services
Addressing a gathering of medical professionals and government officials, CM Yogi stated that doctors’ behavior toward patients is just as important as the treatment they provide. He urged hospital staff to be sensitive toward patients from economically weaker sections and ensure that basic facilities like stretchers and ward assistance are readily available.
In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Chief Minister proposed that in cases where poor families are unable to transport the body of a deceased loved one, RMLIMS should provide a vehicle for transporting the body to their home. “If the institute does not already own such a vehicle, it should procure one,” he instructed.
Clampdown on Private Ambulances and Professional Blood Donors
CM Yogi also raised concerns about unregulated private ambulance services that often divert patients to private hospitals. He called for strict monitoring and regulation of such practices.
Further, he criticized professional blood donors, calling them a risk to patient safety and urging a complete ban on commercialized blood donation. He stressed the need for transparency and ethics in health services.
Seva Pakhwada and Focus on Marginalized Communities
Highlighting the upcoming “Seva Pakhwada” (Service Fortnight), the Chief Minister called upon government hospitals, including RMLIMS, to actively participate in health camps organized at PHCs (Primary Health Centres) and CHCs (Community Health Centres).
He also directed special attention toward nomadic and marginalized communities, who often remain unaware of basic healthcare practices. “The institute must contribute to raising awareness and delivering services to these underserved groups,” he said.
Appeal for Responsible Use of Social Media
In a broader societal message, CM Yogi remarked on the influence of social media and cautioned that neglecting it could hinder progress. Citing examples from neighboring countries, he emphasized the importance of adapting to the changing digital landscape responsibly.
RMLIMS Expansion on the Horizon
Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak revealed that discussions are underway with Doordarshan authorities for the acquisition of adjacent land to expand the institute’s infrastructure. “Once the land is allotted, physical expansion will enhance the institute’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services,” he said.
Honoring Medical Excellence
During the ceremony, doctors who demonstrated exceptional service were felicitated by the Chief Minister, reinforcing the state’s recognition and encouragement of medical excellence.
The Foundation Day event not only celebrated RMLIMS’s contributions to healthcare but also served as a platform for the state government to outline its vision for patient-centered, transparent, and inclusive healthcare. With institutional expansion on the cards and a focus on underserved communities, the Uttar Pradesh government appears to be tightening its focus on public health delivery systems.
