Does Gujarat Have Sufficient Health Centres by 2024-25 Norms?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Gujarat's Health Minister recently announced that the state meets the healthcare facility requirements for 2024-25, ensuring adequate access to medical services. This development highlights Gujarat's commitment to improving public health infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and builds on its legacy of innovative healthcare initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- The state has sufficient health centres as per 2024-25 norms.
- Ahmedabad boasts 10 CHCs and 42 PHCs, exceeding requirements.
- Amreli district has seen significant healthcare activity, managing over six lakh OPD cases.
- Dialysis centres are accessible every 25–30 km.
- Gujarat's healthcare infrastructure reflects a substantial growth over two decades.
Gandhinagar, September 10 (NationPress) The Health Minister of Gujarat, Rushikesh Patel, informed the Assembly that the state is equipped with sufficient health centres according to the population guidelines for 2024-25, ensuring comprehensive access to healthcare facilities throughout the region.
As of 2024, Ahmedabad district has 10 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 42 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), exceeding the required 40, along with three sub-centres.
Patel emphasized that the health centres have been sanctioned based on the population data from the 2011 Census while addressing queries from the House.
In Amreli district, there are currently 11 CHCs, 13 PHCs, and three sub-centres for the year 2024-25. The district managed six lakh OPD cases and 64,000 IPD cases during the year.
The minister also pointed out that dialysis centres are now strategically located every 25–30 km to minimize travel distances for patients seeking treatment. Additionally, in the previous two years, one PHC each was sanctioned in both Ahmedabad and Amreli districts.
According to state guidelines, one sub-centre is designated for every 3,000 individuals in rural and underdeveloped areas, and one for every 5,000 individuals in urban regions. Trauma centres have also been set up along highways as needed.
Patel recalled that during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat, the state initiated the Maa and Maa Amrutam health card programs, which later inspired the nationwide Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). He remarked, “Numerous successful healthcare initiatives in the country originated in Gujarat, with PMJAY being a prime example.”
Today, Gujarat showcases a robust health infrastructure with approximately 319 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 1,463 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and 6,575 Sub-Centres (SCs) across the state.
These figures indicate a substantial growth over the last two decades, demonstrating a 41 percent increase in PHCs and a 37 percent rise in CHCs from 2001–02 to 2021–22.
This extensive network is vital for delivering primary and secondary healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Gujarat's public healthcare facility expansion clearly complies with policy guidelines, reflecting an ongoing commitment to enhancing access to essential health services across the state.
Point of View
It is evident that Gujarat's proactive measures to expand its healthcare facilities are commendable. This initiative not only meets the current population norms but also reflects a broader commitment to improving public health. The state's approach to healthcare, especially in rural areas, showcases a model that other regions could emulate. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare is crucial, and Gujarat is making significant strides in this direction.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of health centres in Gujarat?
Gujarat has adequate health centres as per the 2024-25 norms, with significant numbers of Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres across the state.
How does Gujarat's health infrastructure compare to previous years?
Gujarat has seen a 41 percent increase in PHCs and a 37 percent rise in CHCs from 2001–02 to 2021–22, indicating substantial growth in its healthcare system.
What measures are being taken for patient accessibility?
Dialysis centres are now available every 25–30 km to reduce travel distances for patients, and new health centres have been approved in various districts.
How is the distribution of health centres determined?
Health centres are allocated based on population size, with specific ratios for remote and general areas to ensure equitable healthcare access.
What are the key healthcare initiatives in Gujarat?
Gujarat has launched various initiatives, including the Maa and Maa Amrutam health card schemes, which inspired the PMJAY, enhancing access to healthcare.
