Gandhinagar, March 17 (NationPress) The Gujarat state Assembly has approved a substantial budget of Rs 25,403.23 crore for the Health and Family Welfare Department for the fiscal year 2026-27. This budget proposes significant enhancements to the public health system, focusing on increased financial assistance for mothers, expanded insurance coverage, and ambitious plans for large-scale healthcare infrastructure.

During the budget presentation on Tuesday, Health Minister Praful Pansheriya revealed that the new allocation signifies an increase of 8.63 percent compared to the previous year, with an additional Rs 2,017 crore designated for delivering quality healthcare services to remote regions.

“We are resolutely committed to providing quality healthcare services across even the most isolated areas of the state,” he stated.

The minister emphasized that the government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aims to ensure that every citizen has access to healthcare.

He noted the operational status of 9,231 sub-health centres, 1,539 primary health centres, and 353 community health centres throughout Gujarat.

In an effort to bolster diagnostic services, the state plans to expand free laboratory tests under the 'Mukhyamantri Nidan Yojana' from 71 to 134.

Additionally, 132 mobile healthcare units are actively serving underserved areas to enhance healthcare access.

A budget allocation of Rs 5,733.01 crore has been earmarked for the Family Welfare division.

For maternal health initiatives, Rs 15.62 crore has been allocated for the acquisition of 250 new ‘Khilkhilat’ vans.

Under the 'Namo Shree Yojana', pregnant and lactating women will receive financial support of Rs 12,000, with expectations of 3.95 lakh beneficiaries this year.

The state’s 108 ambulance service, which provides free emergency care to approximately 5,000 patients daily, is set to be strengthened with the replacement of 71 ambulances.

Under the PMJAY-MA scheme, the annual cashless treatment limit per family has been increased to Rs 10 lakh, covering around 2,300 medical procedures.

This scheme currently benefits about 2.73 crore citizens with a total allocation of Rs 3,471.78 crore.

Minister Pansheriya mentioned that Rs 9,877.16 crore is allocated for medical education. The number of medical colleges in Gujarat has risen from 41 to 43, and MBBS seats have increased to 7,525.

Future plans include establishing large 'Medicity' projects in Ahemdabad (Vasai) and Surat (Kamrej), each featuring a 1,500-bed specialty hospital equipped with advanced cardiac, kidney, and cancer care services.

“These initiatives will foster the growth of medical tourism and enhance high-quality treatment infrastructure within the state,” he remarked.

Furthermore, IVF services are set to expand into government hospitals located in Surat, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar.

New Special Newborn Care Units will be established to address neonatal mortality, and a rehabilitation center for neuro, orthopedic, and sports injuries is planned in Ahmedabad.

For critical care services, new radiotherapy centers will be opened in Porbandar, Himmatnagar, Valsad, and Godhra.

Satellite centers are also on the agenda to improve access to treatment for cancer and kidney patients closer to their localities.

In Rajkot, the existing P.D.U. Hospital building will be replaced with a modern 12-storey, 1,000-bed facility at an estimated cost of Rs 360 crore.

The minister also announced an increase in financial assistance under the 'Nikshay Poshan Yojana' for tuberculosis patients from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month, part of a broader initiative to eradicate the disease.

Additional provisions include the establishment of new district Ayurvedic offices in Vav-Tharad, Botad, and Porbandar, along with Rs 10.17 crore allocated for upgrading dialysis infrastructure through the replacement of outdated machines in 282 centres and the installation of 113 new units.

The Assembly subsequently ratified the full budgetary request of Rs 25,403.23 crore for the department for the fiscal year 2026-27.