Health Minister launches ‘One District One Medical College’ for nationwide healthcare transformation

In commemorating the diamond jubilee of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College in Indore, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. Central to this initiative is the introduction of the ‘One District One Medical College’ principle, a visionary concept inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless ideals. The objective is to convert every district in the country into an ‘Ayushman’ district, fostering widespread accessibility to comprehensive healthcare.

Paying tribute to Gandhiji‘s legacy, Minister Mandaviya underscored the profound influence of his principles on the nation’s development. He commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to these ideals and highlighted the government’s dedication to establishing a medical college in each district, creating a robust network for monitoring public health at the grassroots level.

The celebration also marked the inauguration of a sub-zonal office of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and a Central Drug Testing Laboratory (CDTL) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Mandaviya also laid the foundation stone for various facilities at AIIMS, Bhopal, announcing the initiation of 190 pharmaceutical industries, 55 WHO-GMP-compliant manufacturing units, and 163 blood centers across the state.

Emphasising the importance of quality healthcare, Mandaviya stated, “Monitoring the quality of medicines through the sub-zonal office will ensure access to high-quality medicines and provide ease of doing business for stakeholders in Madhya Pradesh’s pharmaceutical industries.”

The Health Minister highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s vision to establish AIIMS-like institutes in all states. Over the past decade, 17 AIIMS have been inaugurated, bringing the total to 23 in the country. Mandaviya stressed that these medical colleges play a pivotal role in achieving health-related goals, such as eradicating tuberculosis and nearing the elimination of diseases like kala-azar (black fever) and leprosy by 2025.

The event not only celebrated significant milestones but also witnessed the inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College alumni network. Additionally, Mandaviya released a postal stamp and a diamond jubilee souvenir, solidifying the institute’s legacy in the country’s healthcare landscape.