Gandhinagar: In a major boost to healthcare facilities in the state, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel today inaugurated 180 Truenat machines equipped with advanced technology for TB diagnosis across various talukas.

During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Directorate of Health and the Director of the Cancer Institute and Research Center to facilitate training of healthcare workers for cancer screening.

Cancer Awareness and Early Detection

Cancer is a serious disease, and in the state, over 75% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, causing severe financial burdens on patients and their families, as well as reducing quality of life. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes, lowers costs, and helps maintain the patient’s quality of life. In Gujarat, cancers of the mouth, breast, and uterus are most common. To enable early detection, the state government has launched extensive training programs in collaboration with GCRI, aiming to train approximately 27,000 healthcare workers at a cost of Rs. 6.72 crore.

Commitment to a TB-Free India

Health Minister Patel said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked day and night in the spirit of his mantra, “Gujarat is my soul, India is my supreme being,” serving the nation not just politically but socially by challenging traditional beliefs. This has led to increased awareness on important social issues such as gender ratio equality, sanitation, and hygiene. Now, ordinary and economically weaker citizens do not face hurdles in accessing healthcare.

Minister Patel highlighted the changes in Gujarat since 2001, noting that Prime Minister Modi’s tenure has ushered in a new era of development and governance. Citizens have become more self-reliant with pride, respect, and employment opportunities. He emphasized the revival of Gandhian values such as cleanliness, sanitation, elimination of untouchability, and self-reliance, reinforced by promoting Swadeshi products in clothing, food, and electronics.

Today, while there are only about 12,000 MBBS doctor positions, the administration has received nearly 20,000 applications, reflecting the strength of Gujarat’s healthcare system. The minister urged everyone present to work diligently towards a developed Gujarat within a developed India, so that future generations can achieve status and pride and contribute to the nation’s progress.

Historical Perspective and Infrastructure Development

Secretary of Health, Dhananjay Dwivedi, recalled that before 2001, Gujarat faced severe droughts and structural deficiencies in public utilities. In some areas, daily water allocation per person was limited to 20 liters normally and 30 liters in summer, forcing people to use brackish water from 1800 TDS and 2200 TDS sources.

Post-disaster, the government developed several initiatives, including using water from the Narmada river to address scarcity in Saurashtra. Today, 24-hour water supply systems have been established in many parts of the state. The number of MBBS seats has increased fifteenfold since 1995, and doctors and paramedical staff are being trained extensively, attracting patients from across India and abroad.

Urban Health and Citizen Empowerment

During the event, the booklet “Swasth Nagrik Sashakt Shahar”, highlighting progress and excellence in urban development and healthcare, was released. Attendees also took oaths for India Development and Organ Donation, demonstrating their commitment to comprehensive national development. Health Commissioner Urban Harshad Patel expressed his gratitude.

The event saw participation from senior officials of the Health Department, students of GMERS Medical College, and resident doctors in large numbers. DeshGujarat