Betul, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, revealed on Tuesday that the state has decided to revert the name of the town of Multai in the Betul district back to its original historical name, "Multapi".

A new tribal museum is also set to be established in Betul, aimed at preserving and showcasing the area's vibrant cultural heritage, according to Yadav.

This announcement took place during the launch of a new medical college in the district, developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the presence of Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda. The Chief Minister indicated that once a formal proposal is submitted by the local administration, the state will seek approval from the central government.

Historically, Multai, which serves as a tehsil headquarters in the Betul district, was known as "Multapi" due to the origin of the Tapti River there. Local MLA Chandrashekhar Deshmukh has already put forth a proposal highlighting that this name change would restore the town's true identity and promote religious tourism.

Yadav further launched various development projects for the Multai area, including a jaggery manufacturing cluster, Kosmi Industrial Area, a wood cluster, a Mahi Industrial Cluster, community hospitals, community centres, and additional infrastructure endeavors.

He also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for investment proposals amounting to Rs 373 crore. The day marked the foundation stone-laying for the new medical college in Betul, designed to enhance healthcare access in this tribal-dominated area.

During the event, Union Health Minister JP Nadda pointed out significant national health advancements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including that over 40 crore individuals have been screened for hypertension, with 6.8 crore receiving treatment, alongside screenings for diabetes (4.6 crore treated) and oral cancer (with 34 crore screened, identifying 2 lakh cases).

The incidence of tuberculosis has decreased by 21 percent since 2015, exceeding the global average reduction of 12 percent. Nadda emphasized improvements in maternal health, with policies guaranteeing at least five (or eight in unique cases) antenatal check-ups and an institutional delivery rate of 89 percent, driving down the Maternal Mortality Ratio to approximately 97 per 100,000 live births.

Under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, health coverage of Rs 5 lakh is provided to 60 crore citizens. Nationally, the number of medical colleges has surged from 387 in 2014 to around 780-829, with MBBS seats increasing from 51,000 to over 1.29 lakh, and plans to add an additional 75,000 seats by 2029, along with an increase in postgraduate positions.

Madhya Pradesh is set to receive 14 new medical colleges, with the Betul facility expected to be operational within four years.

Yadav reaffirmed the government's dedication to welfare programs aimed at the underprivileged, women, and tribal communities, in alignment with PM Modi's vision.

The establishment of this new medical college is anticipated to significantly enhance healthcare accessibility in the region.