In a historic stride for India’s healthcare infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for a 30-bed ESI Hospital in Atchutapuram, Anakapalli, which is slated to be completed by 2027 at an estimated cost of ₹269 crore. This project is part of a nationwide initiative, where Modi inaugurated and launched healthcare facilities worth over ₹12,850 crore from a live event in New Delhi.
The ESI Hospital in Atchutapuram will serve as a critical care facility for the nearly 37,000 workers within its 25-km radius, providing essential medical services for a total beneficiary count of approximately 1.4 lakh people, including workers’ families. The two-acre hospital site is strategically located near the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), ensuring that medical assistance is readily available for the 600 industrial units operating in the area. State Labour Minister Vasamsetti Subhash, Yelamanchili MLA Sundarapu Vijay Kumar, and Anakapalli Collector Vijaya Krishna attended the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the project’s significance for the welfare of local industrial workers.
State Labour Minister Subhash noted that the hospital was sanctioned in 2022 but saw delays due to inaction by the previous administration. He stressed the importance of accessible healthcare facilities, citing a recent tragic accident in Atchutapuram SEZ where timely medical care could have minimized the loss of life. The new hospital will offer secondary care services across medicine, surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, pediatrics, and anesthesia.
Adding to the day’s groundbreaking healthcare initiatives, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a new drone-based healthcare delivery system at 11 major institutions. AIIMS Mangalagiri, in collaboration with local health facilities, launched the first of these services, sending a drone to transport a blood sample from Nutakki village to test a pregnant woman’s thyroid and glucose levels. This new approach enhances healthcare accessibility, particularly for rural areas with limited medical resources. AIIMS Director Dr. Madhabananda Kar, along with local students, witnessed the drone’s operation, which marked an exciting step forward in India’s healthcare journey.
This dual announcement of the ESI Hospital and the drone-based delivery system reinforces the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare access and quality for all citizens, from urban centers to the most remote villages.
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