Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh today.
Remarking that it was his good fortune to be back in Bundelkhand for the second time in a short span, Shri Modi said that the spiritual centre Bageshwar Dham would soon be a health centre too. He added that the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute would be built in an area of 10 acres and a 100-bed facility would be ready in the first phase. He congratulated Shri Dhirendra Shastri for the noble work and extended his greetings to the people of Bundelkhand.
The Prime Minister underlined the role of religious institutions in running large hospitals across India. He remarked that many health and science research institutes are managed by religious trusts, providing treatment and service to crores of poor people. He noted that the sacred pilgrimage site of Chitrakoot in Bundelkhand, associated with Lord Rama, was a major centre for serving the differently-abled and patients. He also expressed happiness that Bageshwar Dham was adding a new chapter to this glorious tradition by offering blessings of health. He announced that two days later, on Mahashivaratri, there will be a mass wedding ceremony for 251 daughters. The Prime Minister praised Bageshwar Dham for this noble initiative and extended his heartfelt congratulations and blessings to all the newlywed couples and daughters for a beautiful life ahead.
Quoting the scripture, “Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam,” emphasizing that our body and health are the primary means for achieving our religion, happiness, and success, the Prime Minister remarked that when the country entrusted him with the opportunity to serve, he made the mantra ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ as the Government’s resolution. He highlighted that a major foundation of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ was ‘Sabka Ilaaj, Sabko Aarogya’ meaning Healthcare for all and underscored the focus on disease prevention at various levels. Acknowledging that toilets had been constructed under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Shri Modi pointed out that the construction of toilets had reduced diseases caused by unhygienic conditions. He cited a study indicating that households with toilets have saved thousands of rupees on medical expenses.
The Prime Minister remarked that before their Government came to power in 2014, the poor in the country feared the cost of treatment more than the illness itself and pointed out that a serious illness in a family would put the entire family in crisis. He shared that he also comes from a poor family and has witnessed such hardships and has resolved to reduce the cost of treatment and save more money for the people. Reiterating his commitment to ensuring that no needy person is left out of Government schemes, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of reducing the burden of medical expenses and highlighted the provision of free treatment for every poor person, up to Rs. 5 lacks, through the Ayushman Card. He urged those who have not to get it made as soon as possible.
Informing that Ayushman Cards were now being issued for free treatment to elderly individuals above 70 years of age, irrespective of whether the family is poor, middle-class, or wealthy, Shri Modi said these cards can be obtained online without any cost and urged that no one should pay for the Ayushman Card and asked people to report if someone demands money. The Prime Minister remarked that many treatments do not require hospital admission, as prescribed medicines can be taken at home. To reduce the cost of medicines, over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers have been opened across the country, providing affordable medicines, he added. He also pointed out that kidney disease is another significant health issue requiring continuous dialysis and over 1,500 dialysis centers have been opened in more than 700 districts, offering free dialysis services. The Prime Minister urged everyone to spread awareness about these Government schemes among their acquaintances and ensure no one misses out on the benefits.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significant use of drone technology in villages under the Swamitva Yojana for accurate land measurement and providing solid land records. He noted the successful implementation of this initiative in Madhya Pradesh, where people are now using these documents to easily obtain loans from banks, which are being utilized for businesses, thereby increasing people’s income.
Concluding the address, the Prime Minister emphasized the relentless efforts of the Governments at the Center and state in making Bundelkhand achieve new heights of development. He expressed hope that Bundelkhand continues on the path of prosperity and development and extended his best wishes to everyone.
The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav were present among other dignitaries at the event.
मध्य प्रदेश के छतरपुर में बागेश्वर धाम मेडिकल एंड साइंस रिसर्च इंस्टीट्यूट की आधारशिला रखकर अत्यंत हर्षित हूं। https://t.co/3BvyyvlkgH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 23, 2025
हमारे मंदिर, हमारे मठ, हमारे धाम… ये एक ओर पूजन और साधन के केंद्र रहे हैं तो दूसरी ओर विज्ञान और सामाजिक चेतना के भी केंद्र रहे हैं: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 23, 2025
हमारे ऋषियों ने ही हमें आयुर्वेद का विज्ञान दिया।
हमारे ऋषियों ने ही हमें योग का वो विज्ञान दिया, जिसका परचम आज पूरी दुनिया में लहरा रहा है: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 23, 2025
जब देश ने मुझे सेवा का अवसर दिया, तो मैंने ‘सबका साथ, सबका विकास’ के मंत्र को सरकार का संकल्प बनाया।
और, ‘सबका साथ, सबका विकास’ के इस संकल्प का भी एक बड़ा आधार है- सबका इलाज, सबको आरोग्य: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 23, 2025
