Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the long-awaited Advanced Pediatric Centre during a ceremony at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute for Medical Sciences (SGPGI) on Tuesday. This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving pediatric healthcare, supported by the “double-engine” government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

### Emphasis on Pediatric Health Advocacy

Adityanath shared insights from his tenure as a Lok Sabha MP, where he actively raised awareness of pediatric health issues, advocating for better services in Gorakhpur.

### Significant Growth in Medical Infrastructure

The Chief Minister highlighted substantial advancements in healthcare, noting that the number of medical colleges in the state has increased from 18 to 64 districts since 2017. The government is striving for the goal of “One District, One College.”

### Addressing Critical Health Challenges

Adityanath commended efforts to combat Japanese encephalitis, a disease affecting children, labeling it a key public health achievement in the state.

### Inauguration of Multiple Healthcare Facilities

At SGPGI, several new facilities were inaugurated, including the Advanced Diabetes Centre and Tele ICU, with a total investment of ₹1,147 crore. The foundation was also laid for the Advanced Pediatric Centre and Saloni Heart Centre (Phase 2).

### Comprehensive Services at the Advanced Pediatric Centre

The newly established Advanced Pediatric Centre will feature 575 beds and provide services across 22 departments, covering a wide range of pediatric health issues, from hormonal disorders to pediatric ICU care.

### Plans for Heart Surgery Excellence

The first phase of the Saloni Heart Centre is now operational, with plans for the second phase to perform serious heart surgeries on 5,000 children annually and offer second opinions to an additional 10,000.

### New Support Facilities for Patients and Attendants

Adityanath announced a 1,000-bed night shelter, funded by ₹51 crore from ONGC’s CSR initiative, designed to assist patients’ attendants. The shelter will include parking and canteen facilities, with affordable meal options.

### A Step Forward for Healthcare in Uttar Pradesh

The ceremony was attended by key officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, marking a significant advancement in the state’s healthcare landscape.