Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Ahmedabad's brand new Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Science and Research, the country's largest hospital run by any Urban Local Body (ULB) which has over 1500 beds. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation conceptualised the hospital in 2012 and its groundbreaking was conducted in 2014. The entire structure, with interiors, was ready by July 2018. Modi addressed the gathering after inaugurating SVP. He said, “I was amazed to see a public hospital of this scale. It is like a dream fulfilled to have a hospital like this. This is first public hospital top have helipad and air ambulance facility.”
Modi congratulated all those who were part of the mammoth project and said that the hospital will take public healthcare to new heights. He said, “This will set an example for public health care which will cater to the needs of the common people. Just two decades ago, government hospitals were lying in shambles and the poor couldn't afford medical facilities at private institutions.” Modi cleared the air regarding the privatisation of the hospital, and said poor people will continue to get free medical treatment at the hospital. He added, “The hospital will provide free treatment to the poor, who are entitled to the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. Since its launch, more than 7 lakh people have benefited from the scheme in 100 days.”
Modi also spoke on the government's vision for improvement of public healthcare. “We have set up dialysis centres in 450 districts across the country and patients suffering from kidney issues are getting dialysis services free of cost. We have reduced the price of stents and surgical instruments for knee implants which have benefited so many people,” the PM said. He stated the Vijay Rupani-led government aims to upgrade around 1.5 lakh public health centres and community health centres by 2022. Out Of 1500 beds in SVP, 1300 beds are in General Ward and 200 beds are in the executive class. There are 32 high class Operation Theatres with 139 ICU bed.
