TFP Bureau, Chhatarpur, February 23, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute in Garha village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. The institute, spanning 10 acres, will initially feature a 100-bed hospital, marking a significant step towards strengthening healthcare facilities in the Bundelkhand region.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi emphasized the dual role of India’s religious institutions as centers of both spiritual guidance and scientific knowledge. “Our temples, monasteries, and sacred sites have always served as hubs for worship as well as scientific and social consciousness,” he said.
Highlighting India’s ancient contributions to science, he added, “It was our sages who gave the world Ayurveda and Yoga, which are now globally recognized.”
The Prime Minister commended Shri Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham for his social initiatives and announced plans for an upcoming cancer institute. “The blessings of devotion, nourishment, and health will now come together at Bageshwar Dham,” he remarked.
PM Modi also underscored the government’s commitment to healthcare access under the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision, emphasizing that quality medical treatment should be available to all. He highlighted the impact of various government initiatives, including the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh for the poor, the establishment of over 14,000 Jan Aushadhi Centers for affordable medicines, and the expansion of dialysis and cancer treatment facilities across India.
Touching upon the role of religious and charitable institutions in healthcare, PM Modi pointed out that many of India’s major hospitals and research centers are managed by religious trusts, serving millions of underprivileged people. He expressed confidence that the new institute at Bageshwar Dham would further this tradition of service.
During his speech, the Prime Minister also spoke about the challenges posed by cancer and the government’s plans to combat it through early detection and treatment. He announced the opening of cancer daycare centers in every district over the next three years and emphasized the importance of awareness in preventing the disease.
PM Modi also highlighted infrastructure and irrigation projects aimed at boosting Bundelkhand’s development, including the ₹45,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, which will address water scarcity in the region. He stressed the government’s focus on empowering women through initiatives like the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘Drone Didi’ programs, which aim to enhance their economic participation.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Bundelkhand’s progress, stating that development projects in the region were moving forward at an unprecedented pace. He expressed confidence that Bundelkhand would continue to prosper and extended his best wishes to the people.
The event was attended by Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and other dignitaries.
