Calls for HPV vaccination, ethical medical practices and free healthcare for underprivileged children
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated Lapetos Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital at Awadh Vihar Yojana in Lucknow on Friday, calling for greater access to quality healthcare, stronger social responsibility among private hospitals and closer integration of traditional Indian medical knowledge with modern scientific research.
During her visit, the Governor toured the hospital, inaugurated its operation theatre and unveiled the hospital magazine. She appreciated the institution’s commitment to healthcare and urged its management to ensure that quality medical services reach economically weaker sections of society.
Emphasising the social responsibilities of healthcare institutions, Patel encouraged the hospital to adopt villages and provide free medical facilities to children from disadvantaged families. Referring to initiatives undertaken at schools in Arjunganj village, she urged the hospital management to visit these institutions and explore ways to support children’s health needs.
She also proposed a meeting of private hospitals and healthcare centres at Jan Bhavan to develop a coordinated plan for community service. Under the proposed initiative, institutions could adopt villages and provide free healthcare to children in need. She noted that healthy children are better placed to learn, develop and contribute to society.
The Governor cited the role of universities in adopting villages and undertaking initiatives in education, healthcare, nutrition and other areas of social development.
Emphasis on HPV Vaccination and Women’s Health
Highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare, Patel appealed to parents to ensure that their daughters receive the HPV vaccine in accordance with prescribed medical guidelines. She said the vaccine plays a significant role in preventing cervical cancer.
The Governor stated that approximately three lakh HPV vaccine doses had been made available free of cost through public contributions. She also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for arrangements to make HPV vaccination available to girls free of cost.
Patel stressed that protecting girls’ health was essential for the well-being of families, society and the country.
Transparency and Patient-Centred Care
The Governor said transparency, trust and sensitivity must form the foundation of healthcare delivery. She called for strict attention to medicine quality and appropriate mechanisms to identify counterfeit drugs.
Doctors and hospitals, she said, must understand patients’ conditions accurately and provide appropriate treatment without placing the burden of unnecessary tests, medicines or expenses on them. Ethical practices and transparent procedures, she emphasised, were essential to strengthening public confidence in healthcare institutions.
She also acknowledged the contribution of women working at the hospital, recalling the dedication and courage demonstrated by nurses and other women healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Call for a Drug-Free India
Patel urged the hospital management to participate in the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, encouraging young people and the wider community to embrace a drug-free lifestyle.
She said reducing substance abuse could help lower the burden of disease and healthcare expenditure, allowing resources to be directed towards education, development and public welfare. She called upon institutions and citizens to contribute to the Prime Minister’s vision of a drug-free India.
Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science
The Governor also highlighted the importance of yoga, Ayurveda and traditional Indian systems of medicine. Referring to the work of the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in Karnataka, she cited research in yoga therapy, Ayurveda, naturopathy and health sciences.
She said India’s traditional knowledge of medicinal plants needed to be documented, preserved and scientifically studied. Referring to the Sanjeevani herb episode in the Ramayana, she noted the historical significance of India’s traditional understanding of medicinal plants.
Patel stressed that combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific research could help make healthcare more effective and expand its benefits for society.
Lapetos Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital Chairman and Managing Director Dr Devendra Singh Patel outlined the institution’s objectives, stating that it aimed to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare while contributing to social welfare.
Rajesh Singh, Managing Director of Dayal Group, and other dignitaries were present at the inauguration.
