Imphal: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated, launched, and laid the foundation stone for various health sector projects valued at over Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, joined the event via video conference from the District Hospital in Thoubal.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for a Critical Care Block at Thoubal’s District Hospital in Manipur under the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM). Chief Minister Biren Singh noted that the estimated cost for this block is approximately Rs 16 crore.
He highlighted the state’s healthcare initiatives, including the Chief Ministergi Hakshel gi Tengbang (CMHT) launched on January 21, 2018, and Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), introduced by PM Modi on September 23, 2018, both aimed at providing cashless medical treatment to underprivileged citizens. AB-PMJAY offers senior citizens above 70 years up to Rs 5 lakhs for free treatment at empanelled hospitals.
Chief Minister Singh also emphasized the state’s ‘War on Drugs’ initiative, targeting illegal drug activities to protect future generations, and expressed concern over the influx of illegal immigrants with fake Aadhaar cards, calling it a significant threat to the indigenous population. He explained that the government has enacted strict legislation regarding land transactions, requiring approval from a Cabinet Sub-Committee to ensure the protection of the state’s indigenous people.
In alignment with the Centre’s goal to establish medical colleges in each district, Singh shared that plans for new colleges in Thoubal and Ukhrul are under consideration. Additionally, he launched the updated State Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health.
The event was attended by ministers, MLAs, the Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal, senior police officials, and health services staff, among others.
