New Delhi, Feb 14 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday unveiled the statue of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the first Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Dr Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan in Shahdara, east Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the vision and mission initiated by Dr Hedgewar have evolved into a strong and expansive organisation dedicated to the service of the nation. His approach to organising society through character building has laid a firm foundation for India’s cultural awakening.
She stated that the statue installed at the institute is not merely a memorial, but a continuing source of inspiration embodying service, dedication and the spirit of ‘nation first’.
Considering the growing needs of patients, the Chief Minister also announced the expansion of the hospital, saying a new floor will soon be constructed and modern medical equipment installed.
She said any existing shortcomings at the institute would be addressed on priority. Directions have been issued to the departments to prepare a detailed report and begin the expansion work at the earliest. She emphasised that building a strong and well-organised health network to ensure quality healthcare for the large population of trans-Yamuna remains a key priority of the government.
Gupta stated that during the government’s one-year tenure, several historic steps have been taken to strengthen healthcare services. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Delhi, health coverage has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
She further said that A ‘Vay Vandan Yojana’ has been launched for all senior citizens above 70 years of age. So far, more than 7 lakh citizens have registered under the scheme and nearly 30,000 individuals have received treatment benefits.
The CM said 370 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established in Delhi, with a target of setting up 1,100 centres.
She said all Delhi government hospitals have been fully digitised. Each patient has a digital health record, online OPD appointment facilities have been introduced, and complete treatment histories can be accessed at the click of a button in any hospital.
This, she said, will enhance transparency, curb corruption and make treatment processes more efficient and streamlined.
She noted that due to the neglect by previous governments, several hospitals lacked essential machines. However, the present government has taken concrete steps to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. At GB Pant Hospital, advanced facilities including a state-of-the-art CT scanner, a neuro lab and a neuro ICU have been established.
The Chief Minister also announced that the long-inactive Yamunapar Development Board has been revived and provided with a special fund of Rs 700 crore.
Through this allocation, rapid development of roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure in the Yamunapar region is being undertaken.
She reiterated that Delhi’s development will not be based on any particular region but treated as a right of every citizen. Whether on this side of the Yamuna or across it, equal and balanced development of the entire city is the government’s firm resolve.
She expressed confidence that the statue of Dr Hedgewar will serve as a centre of inspiration for doctors and staff at the hospital, motivating them to work with renewed energy and a spirit of service.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said that the unveiling of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s statue at Dr Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan, Karkardooma, is a moment of pride and inspiration for all.
