Addressing the crowd during the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi expressed his belief that Sankara Kanti Hospital will bring light into the lives of many in Varanasi and nearby areas. He highlighted that this healthcare facility would provide free treatment to numerous poor patients and create a significant positive impact on the local economy by generating employment opportunities for the youth.

Modi also reflected on Kashi’s rich legacy, emphasizing how the city, long regarded as the spiritual capital of India, is now evolving into a vital healthcare center for Uttar Pradesh and the Purvanchal region. He remarked that Kashi’s transformation from a cultural icon to a healthcare hub represents the city’s growing significance in India’s overall healthcare strategy.

Kashi: A Healthcare Hub in the Making
Once known primarily as a destination for religious pilgrimages, Kashi is now carving a niche as a healthcare center. This transformation, according to PM Modi, reflects India’s broader health strategy, which is built upon five foundational pillars:

1. Preventive Health Care: Encouraging people to adopt lifestyles that prevent diseases before they occur.
2. Timely Diagnosis: Making sure that diseases are diagnosed early, allowing for effective treatment.
3. Affordable and Accessible Treatment: Providing free or low-cost medical treatment and good quality medicines to the public.
4. Expanding Healthcare Access to Smaller Towns: Ensuring that smaller towns and cities, like Varanasi, are well-equipped with healthcare facilities to overcome shortages in medical care.
5. Technological Integration: Expanding the use of technology in healthcare to enhance patient care and service delivery.

Kartika Pilgrimage and Spiritual Blessings
PM Modi’s visit coincided with the holy month of Kartika, a time when pilgrims flock to Kashi, seeking blessings. Modi emphasized the spiritual significance of visiting Kashi during this sacred month, noting how thousands of people come to gain merit by visiting the city’s holy sites. He expressed his happiness at the opportunity to receive blessings from revered Shankaracharyas, underscoring the city’s timeless spiritual heritage.

Development Projects Worth Rs 6700 Crore
In addition to inaugurating the hospital, Prime Minister Modi also dedicated numerous development projects totaling Rs 6700 crore to the nation. The projects, 16 of which are directly related to Varanasi and are valued at over Rs 3,200 crore, aim to further enhance the region’s infrastructure and economic growth.

One of the key initiatives was the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the expansion of the runway at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. This expansion, along with the construction of a new terminal building and other related works, is expected to improve air connectivity for the region, further boosting tourism and trade.

Conclusion
Kashi is no longer just a city of spirituality; it is now emerging as a healthcare hub for the region, providing essential medical services to the needy and uplifting the local economy. With the inauguration of Sankara Kanti Hospital, Prime Minister Modi has set the stage for a healthier and brighter future for Varanasi and its surrounding areas.

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