Dhar, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Union Health Minister and BJP President J.P. Nadda inaugurated the foundation stone and conducted the Bhoomi Pujan for Madhya Pradesh's inaugural medical college in the tribal-heavy Dhar district on Tuesday, representing a significant leap for healthcare accessibility in neglected regions.

This institution, developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, is part of a broader initiative comprising four such projects in the state, with similar establishments slated for Betul, Katni, and Satna.

During his speech, Nadda challenged the previous administrations' efforts towards tribal welfare, stating, "Tribal groups have long supported the Congress party, aiding its prolonged governance. However, has Congress ever provided a medical college or adequate highways for them?"

This initiative stands as the first medical college in Dhar with a private partnership focus, designed to offer affordable and high-quality healthcare services to the general populace.

Nadda commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's groundbreaking health policies, which emphasize both preventive and promotive healthcare in addition to curative approaches.

He pointed out that over 1.78 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to promote holistic health.

The government keeps track of the health of expectant mothers and children up to 16 years old via the UBIN Portal, monitoring 2.5 crore mothers and children monthly and providing alerts for overdue vaccinations.

Policies ensure that mothers undergo at least five antenatal check-ups (eight in special cases), resulting in an institutional delivery rate of 89%. This has led to a notable decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), now approximately 97 per 100,000 live births according to recent data.

On the subject of non-communicable diseases, Nadda mentioned that over 40 crore individuals have been screened for hypertension (with 6.8 crore diagnosed) and diabetes (4.6 crore on medication from age 30). Moreover, 34 crore screenings for oral cancer have detected two lakh cases needing treatment. The incidence of tuberculosis has also seen a dramatic drop, with India achieving a 21% reduction since 2015, significantly surpassing the global average of 12%.

On a national scale, the number of medical colleges has surged from 387 in 2014 to around 780-829, increasing MBBS seats from 51,000 to over 1.29 lakh, with plans to add another 75,000 by 2029.

During the event, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav declared that the Swami Vivekanand Foundation has been allocated 25 acres of land for the Dhar college at a nominal cost of Rs one, which will develop facilities and provide services comparable to those of government hospitals.

Nadda also performed Bhoomi Pujan in Betul on the same day, with expectations for openings in Katni and Satna shortly.