Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, marking a new milestone in the city’s transformation into a key healthcare hub in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The hospital, a project managed by the renowned Kanchi Math, will cater to 20 districts across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states, including Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
PM Modi emphasized that while Kashi has long been recognized for its spiritual and cultural legacy, it is now poised to become a center of excellence in healthcare, offering world-class medical services closer to home.
Spirituality Meets Modern Healthcare
Highlighting the hospital’s unique character, Modi described the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital as “a blend of spirituality and modernity,” reflecting the dual role of Kashi as both a pilgrimage site and a modern healthcare center. The hospital will provide specialized care for both pediatric and elderly patients, helping bridge healthcare gaps in the region.
“This hospital not only honors the legacy of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, but it also fulfills a crucial healthcare need, extending essential eye care services to communities in eastern Uttar Pradesh and beyond,” Modi noted.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of Jhunjhunwala’s family in continuing his vision and thanked the Sankara and Chitrakoot Eye Hospitals for expanding their services to Varanasi. Before the inauguration, Modi also met Kanchi Shankaracharya Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi and paid tribute to the former Shankaracharya.
Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure in Varanasi
During his address, Modi highlighted recent improvements in healthcare infrastructure across the region. “In the last decade, more than 10,000 beds have been added across primary and community health centers, and Varanasi now offers specialized cancer care, saving patients the need to travel to Delhi or Mumbai,” he said.
Thousands of patients from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh now seek care in Varanasi, underlining its emergence as a medical destination. Modi stressed the government’s commitment to disease prevention through cleanliness campaigns, nutrition programs, and vaccination drives.
India’s Five-Pillar Healthcare Vision
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s five-pillar strategy to strengthen healthcare:
- Disease Prevention
- Timely Diagnosis
- Affordable Treatment
- Access to Care in Smaller Towns
- Technology-Driven Healthcare Delivery
“The government prioritizes preventive care while ensuring access to affordable and high-quality medical services in smaller towns,” Modi emphasized.
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Strengthening Healthcare in Eastern India
The inauguration of the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital is expected to significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the region, especially for underserved populations. The facility is the 17th in the chain of eye hospitals managed by the Kanchi Math, furthering its mission of providing accessible, high-quality eye care to all.
With these developments, Varanasi is rapidly becoming a model for integrating tradition and innovation in healthcare, setting an example for other regions aiming to strengthen healthcare delivery at scale.
The inauguration of this facility not only boosts Varanasi’s healthcare ecosystem but also aligns with the broader national agenda of improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to quality care for all citizens.
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