Success in Eradicating a Decades-Long Curse
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proudly announced the successful eradication of encephalitis in Uttar Pradesh, a disease that had plagued the state for decades. He emphasized that previous governments had done little to combat the disease, resulting in thousands of deaths each year from 1977 to 2017, especially in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Government’s Approach and Collaboration
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government launched a comprehensive campaign, collaborating with the World Health Organization and implementing initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission. These efforts aimed to address the root causes of encephalitis, emphasizing the importance of prevention over cure.
Asha Workers’ Vital Role
Yogi Adityanath praised the crucial role played by Asha workers in controlling encephalitis. These frontline workers conducted door-to-door campaigns to raise awareness about preventive measures and educate people on how to tackle the infection effectively.
Encephalitis: A Lethal Threat
Encephalitis is a severe neurological illness that inflames the brain, primarily affecting children and young adults. Its symptoms include headaches, fever, confusion, stiff neck, and vomiting. The disease can often lead to fatal outcomes.
Continuing the Fight Against Diseases
Adityanath pledged to extend the government’s efforts beyond encephalitis, aiming to eradicate diseases like dengue, chikungunya, kala-azar, filaria, and tuberculosis from Uttar Pradesh. He highlighted the establishment of numerous medical colleges and the state’s effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Investing in Healthcare Infrastructure
Yogi Adityanath proudly announced that his government set a record by establishing a significant number of medical colleges in the state over the last five years. This initiative aimed to ensure that people have easy access to healthcare services, with medical colleges established in previously underserved regions.
Extending Healthcare Benefits
Adityanath highlighted his government’s commitment to providing essential healthcare services. Under his leadership, Uttar Pradesh became a model state during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering free tests, vaccinations, and treatments to its citizens. He emphasized the importance of a “double-engine government” that delivers double ration to those in need.
Preventing Water-Borne Diseases
The Chief Minister urged people to maintain cleanliness and prevent waterlogging in their areas, as mosquitoes are a common cause of water-borne diseases, including encephalitis, dengue, malaria, kala-azar, and chikungunya. He emphasized the role of individual responsibility in disease prevention.
Access to Healthcare Services
Adityanath encouraged people to obtain Ayushman cards, which grant them access to free healthcare treatment. He also advocated for ending open defecation and highlighted the government’s efforts to provide toilets and houses to those in need. Development in the health service sector was a priority for his administration.
Celebrating Local Produce
During the event, Yogi Adityanath praised the Kala Namak rice variety grown in the region, emphasizing its significance under the “One District-One Product” (ODOP) scheme. This scheme aimed to promote and support local products, contributing to economic growth.
