Kashi Will Emerge As Big Healthcare Center: PM Modi

The hospital will be managed by the Kanchi Math. Modi expressed his gratitude to the institutions involved and called the eye hospital a "blend of spirituality and modernity."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, stating that the city will now emerge as a significant healthcare hub in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing the ceremony, Modi highlighted that while Kashi has long been known for its religious and spiritual significance, it is set to become a major center for healthcare, with top medical facilities now available.

The hospital, named after late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, will be managed by the Kanchi Math. Modi expressed his gratitude to the institutions involved and called the eye hospital a "blend of spirituality and modernity."

The hospital will cater to both elderly and pediatric patients, serving the residents of 20 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

Modi acknowledged Jhunjhunwala’s contributions, describing him as a close friend, and appreciated the efforts of his family in carrying forward his legacy. He also thanked the Sankara and Chitrakoot Eye Hospitals for accepting his request to extend their services to Varanasi.

During his address, the Prime Minister noted that the region now has over 100 centers dedicated to treating the disease and that healthcare infrastructure, including the addition of more than 10,000 beds in primary and community centers, has significantly expanded in the past decade.

He further outlined India’s five-pillar healthcare strategy, emphasizing disease prevention, timely diagnosis, affordable treatment, access to care in smaller towns, and leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery.

“Today, Banaras also boasts a modern cancer treatment facility, enabling patients who once had to travel to Delhi or Mumbai to receive quality care locally. Thousands of people from Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and other parts of the country now come here for treatment. Our Mokshadayini Kashi is evolving into a centre of new vitality, offering fresh energy and enhanced healthcare resources,” the PM noted.

He stressed that protecting citizens from illness is a priority for the government, and highlighted efforts to promote cleanliness, nutrition, and vaccination.

The RJ Sankara Eye Hospital is the 17th such facility run by the Kanchi Math. Modi met with Kanchi Shankaracharya Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi before the inauguration and paid tribute to the former Shankaracharya.

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