Lucknow: Emphasizing a balanced approach to healthcare, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that a strong combination of preventive measures and an efficient treatment system will form the foundation of India’s long-term health security.
Addressing the annual conference ‘NIC-2026’ organized by the Cardiological Society of India at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, the Chief Minister underlined the urgent need to shift from a treatment-centric model to one that equally prioritizes prevention through awareness and lifestyle changes.
Healthy Citizens Key to a Strong Nation
“A healthy citizen leads to a healthy society, and a healthy society forms the foundation of a strong nation,” the Chief Minister said, adding that a nation burdened with illness cannot achieve development, strength, or self-reliance.
He stressed that rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), driven largely by changing lifestyles, have made it imperative to focus on prevention alongside treatment. Encouraging balanced diets, regular routines, and healthier living habits, he said, is the most effective way to tackle these challenges.
Prevention Must Take Centre Stage
Highlighting India’s traditional emphasis on disciplined living and balanced nutrition, CM Adityanath noted that modern lifestyle disruptions have led to a surge in chronic diseases. While medical experts often focus on treatment and innovation, he urged them to give equal importance to preventive healthcare through large-scale awareness campaigns.
“Without prioritizing prevention, it will be difficult to control the growing burden of diseases,” he said.
Ayushman Bharat Strengthening Health Coverage
The Chief Minister highlighted the impact of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, calling it one of the world’s largest health coverage schemes. He noted that nearly 55–60 crore people are now covered under the scheme, with health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh annually, significantly reducing the financial burden of treatment.
He added that in 2025, nearly ₹1,400 crore was disbursed through the state relief fund for medical assistance. The state government has also expanded coverage under the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna to include teachers, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, ANMs, and mid-day meal staff.
Expanding Health Infrastructure Across the State
Pointing to significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure, CM Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a remarkable increase in medical colleges—from just 17 a decade ago to 81 today—along with the establishment of two AIIMS institutions.
Facilities such as ICUs in every district, the expansion of cath labs, and the growth of super-specialty hospitals in the private sector have strengthened healthcare delivery. Institutions like Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, King George’s Medical University, and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences are also leveraging telemedicine, tele-ICU, and virtual ICU services to extend care across the state.
Awareness Crucial to Combat Lifestyle Diseases
Despite these advancements, the Chief Minister cautioned that healthcare challenges cannot be addressed through treatment alone. He highlighted concerns such as excessive smartphone usage (4–6 hours daily), rising diabetes cases, and unhealthy dietary habits.
He also pointed to the issue of food adulteration, citing recent crackdowns that uncovered large quantities of adulterated dairy products, raising serious concerns about food quality and safety.
Doctors Play a Vital Role
Calling upon medical professionals to take a proactive role in spreading awareness, CM Adityanath said that messages delivered by doctors carry greater credibility and impact in society. He acknowledged the pressure on public healthcare institutions, citing high daily OPD footfalls at major hospitals, which often makes it challenging to provide adequate time to each patient.
Atal Medical University Emerging as Key Institution
The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University as a major hub for medical education, noting that it is the first university in the state to affiliate all medical colleges under one umbrella.
He described the hosting of a major cardiology conference at the university as a matter of pride and a reflection of Uttar Pradesh’s transformation in the healthcare sector.
Call for Collective Action
Urging experts and stakeholders to work in coordination, CM Adityanath called for actionable outcomes from the conference that integrate both prevention and treatment strategies. He expressed confidence that discussions and research presented at NIC-2026 would provide meaningful direction in addressing future healthcare challenges.
Reiterating the broader vision, he said that building a disease-free society is essential to achieving the goal of a “Developed India,” emphasizing that health remains the cornerstone of national progress.
