# Prime Minister Modi Lays Foundation for Bageshwar Dham Medical Institute
Chhatarpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare to all citizens as a core element of the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” mission during a visit to Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. In a significant move to support underprivileged patients, he laid the foundation stone for the Bageshwar Dham Medical and Science Research Institute, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at offering free cancer treatment.
The institute, to be built on a 10-acre plot, will initially feature a 100-bed hospital equipped with advanced medical technology and specialized medical staff. Modi emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to combat cancer and improve healthcare accessibility across India.
Addressing ongoing health challenges, the Prime Minister also unveiled plans included in this year’s national budget to reduce the cost of cancer treatments. He announced that cancer daycare centers would be established in every district across India within the next three years. Additionally, cancer clinics will be set up in district hospitals to further enhance cancer care across the country.
Modi urged citizens to take full advantage of government healthcare schemes, particularly the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, to ensure access to affordable medical care.
In related developments, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of healthcare as a fundamental right during the 12th International Health Dialogue in New Delhi. He stressed that the Global South should not be dependent on uncertain global supply chains. Dr. Jaishankar also underscored India’s role in global health security, particularly through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which aims to provide health insurance coverage to millions of citizens.
In addition to his focus on healthcare, Prime Minister Modi addressed recent controversial comments made by political figures regarding Sanatan Dharma. He condemned remarks that undermined Hindu beliefs, culture, and religious practices, including attacks on temples. The Prime Minister criticized those who have supported these attacks, accusing them of receiving backing from foreign powers. He emphasized the significance of Indian temples not just as places of worship but also as centers of scientific knowledge and social consciousness, pointing to ancient practices like Ayurveda and yoga, which are now recognized and practiced worldwide.
Later today, Prime Minister Modi will meet with BJP MPs, MLAs, and other officials in Bhopal, as part of his ongoing three-day tour through Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam. During his visit to Bhopal, he will also inaugurate the two-day Global Investors Summit 2025.
Tomorrow, Modi will travel to Bhagalpur in Bihar, where he will release the 19th installment of the PM KISAN scheme, benefiting over 9.7 crore farmers across India with direct financial assistance totaling over ₹21,500 crore. He will also dedicate and inaugurate several development projects in Bihar.
The Prime Minister’s tour will conclude with a visit to Guwahati, Assam, where he will attend the Jhumoir Binandini 2025 celebration to mark 200 years of Assam’s tea industry. On Tuesday, Modi will inaugurate the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati.
