At the TV9 Bharatvarsh Health Conclave 2025, held to address the future challenges in India's healthcare system, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak outlined the state’s major healthcare reforms and vision for a healthy India by 2047. He oversees departments including Health, Medical, and Child Welfare in the state.

A film showcasing the transformation in UP’s health infrastructure was also screened at the event. Key issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and maternal health were discussed during the sessions.

Free Ultrasound for Pregnant Women

Addressing maternal health challenges, Pathak said that the most common issue pregnant women face is access to ultrasound services. To tackle this, the UP government, in collaboration with SBI Bank, has developed an app that sends a barcode to expectant mothers. This barcode allows them to get free ultrasounds at any private center, with the government covering the cost.

Dialysis Now Available in All Districts

Pathak highlighted that dialysis services have been extended to all districts in the state. In many larger districts, these services are available at two locations, ensuring that kidney patients no longer need to travel to major cities. Additionally, measures have been taken to ensure accountability in patient referrals from primary hospitals—doctors must now record the reason for referrals in a register.

Arogya Mandirs Transforming Rural Healthcare

He stated that the health structure of rural UP has been significantly strengthened. More than 25,000 Arogya Mandirs (health clinics) have been set up across the state, with 5,000 more in the pipeline. These centers provide 55 types of medicines for minor ailments, conduct 14 types of pathology tests free of cost, and offer services like vaccinations and deliveries.

Ambulance Response Time Reduced to 6 Minutes

The Deputy CM also addressed past concerns about ambulance delays. He noted that before 2017, ambulance availability was a serious issue. Now, with 2,250 ambulances operating under dial number 102 and an additional 2,250 under 108, the response time has improved dramatically—from 30 minutes earlier to just 6–7 minutes today.

Technology and AI in Healthcare

Pathak assured that artificial intelligence should not be feared. Instead, it should be viewed as a tool for efficiency. He emphasized that AI will not replace jobs and is meant to assist both doctors and patients.

Lifestyle Advice and Nature’s Role

Speaking on disease prevention, Pathak stressed the importance of daily exercise and aligning food habits with seasonal conditions. He urged people to rely more on natural habits to stay healthy, especially in an era where lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise.

Private Doctors Hired at High Salaries

To address the shortage of specialist doctors in rural areas, the UP government is offering up to Rs 5 lakh per month to private doctors hired on a contract basis. So far, over 300 such specialists have been appointed across the state.

Sanjivani App and Online Treatment

The state has also embraced digital health services. Pathak mentioned that over 1 lakh patients receive treatment daily through the Sanjivani App, making healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas.

This address by Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak highlighted the state government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery, make services more accessible to rural populations, and embrace technology for long-term health planning.