Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday highlighted the remarkable progress of India’s health infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contrasting it with what he described as the Congress governments’ longstanding neglect of the sector.
Speaking at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Nagpur after laying the foundation stone of “Swasti Niwas” — a residential facility for cancer patients and caregivers — Shah said the health sector’s budget has witnessed a significant leap under the Modi administration.
“The budget for the health sector under PM Modi has increased to ₹1.35 lakh crore, as against ₹37,000 crore during the UPA regime led by Manmohan Singh,” Shah said. He commended the private sector for partnering with the government in enhancing healthcare services across the nation.
The Union Minister noted that India records the highest percentage of oral cancer cases globally and reported that one person dies from cervical cancer every eight minutes. “Earlier, cancer treatment was considered inaccessible, but several quality institutions have emerged over the past 15 years,” he added.
Lauding the NCI’s contribution, Shah said the institute has provided exceptional service to patients not only from Maharashtra but also from neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
Referring to initiatives launched under PM Modi, Shah said that around 60 crore people now receive free medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with state government support pushing the limit to ₹25 lakh in many cases.
He further noted that since 2014, the number of government medical colleges has doubled from 387 to 780. The annual MBBS intake has increased from 51,000 to 1.18 lakh, while postgraduate seats have surged from 31,000 to 74,000.
Highlighting wellness initiatives such as International Yoga Day, Fit India Movement, and Khelo India, Shah also praised programs providing clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and LPG connections for smoke-free kitchens.
Shah assured Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of full support from the Centre for establishing a cutting-edge research facility at the NCI premises. He expressed confidence that NCI would emerge as India’s top cancer treatment center in the near future.
“Cancer treatment is a long and painful journey. Only those who have experienced this pain understand the spirit of service required to ease such suffering,” Shah said.
He acknowledged Fadnavis’s role in conceptualizing the cancer institute back in 2012 and said, “Today, he is a two-time Chief Minister because of his vision and dedication.”
Deputy CM Fadnavis, speaking on the occasion, described ‘Swasti Niwas’ as a compassionate initiative aimed at providing cancer patients and their families with a comfortable and dignified environment during treatment.
According to an official release, the residential facility will span 1.7 lakh square feet and include a convenience center, food court, and other essential amenities. The project is supported by multinational firm Pernod Ricard India as part of its CSR initiative and is being designed by JJ Consultants.
