Attending the 38th annual conference of the North Zone Ophthalmological Society (NZOS) at Palampur, Governor Kavinder Gupta highlighted the sweeping transformation of India’s healthcare landscape under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. Addressing medical experts at the event organized in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Ophthalmological Society and The Palampur Rotary Eye Foundation, he stated that flagship Central initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are making quality medical care accessible and affordable down to the last mile. He particularly praised the extension of Ayushman Bharat benefits to senior citizens aged 70 and above, calling it a vital step toward safeguarding their health, dignity, and overall well-being.
Expressing deep gratitude to the Central Government for allocating ₹415 crore to add 320 postgraduate medical seats in Himachal Pradesh, the Governor noted that this decision will significantly boost medical education and double the availability of specialist doctors across the state. While acknowledging rapid technological strides in ophthalmology—including AI-driven diagnostics, innovative surgical techniques, and advanced retinal care—he emphasized that modern medical science truly succeeds only when its benefits reach every section of society. Given Himachal Pradesh’s challenging terrain, long distances, and remote habitations, he called for seamless collaboration between government bodies, private health institutions, and medical societies to extend advanced eye-care services to far-flung pockets so that geography or economic status never becomes a barrier to sight.
During the convention, Governor Kavinder Gupta formally installed Dr. Sudhir Salhotra as the 38th President of the NZOS, conferred the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Dr. Surat Singh, released the official NZOS journal, and launched the new website of the Himachal Pradesh Ophthalmological Society. Welcomed earlier by NZOS Chairman Dr. Gaurav Luthra and Rotary Eye Foundation Director Dr. Sudhir Malhotra, the Governor lauded the dedicated healthcare fraternity for their noble service to humanity. Closing his address, he warmly invited all visiting delegates and medical professionals to explore Himachal Pradesh’s rich spiritual heritage and seek blessings at its revered Shakti Peeths.
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