Guru Gorakhnath yatra delivering healthcare services to the last mile: Yogi

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday praised the Guru Gorakhnath Health Service Yatra, describing it as a vital initiative in delivering healthcare services to the last mile.Speaking at a felicitation ceremony of Yatra's volunteers in Lucknow, the CM said it is more than a medical outreach programme. It has emerged as an effective platform for connecting remote and underserved regions with mainstream healthcare services and commended the National Medicos Organisation (NMO) for expanding the initiative since 2019 into a large-scale public movement.Yogi noted that the yatra is being conducted across seven districts along the India-Nepal border—Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit—covering nearly 550km of challenging terrain. These areas, particularly tribal and rural pockets, have historically faced limited access to healthcare facilities. He said the campaign, which initially reached around 27,000 patients in six districts in 2019, has now expanded to benefit around 2.6 lakh people, reflecting the commitment and service spirit of volunteers.Emphasising the importance of awareness, Yogi said preventive healthcare is more important than treatment. He appreciated the yatra's efforts in spreading awareness about common health issues such as skin diseases, water-borne infections, anaemia, and tuberculosis.He also advised that awareness campaigns on reducing maternal and infant mortality should be integrated into the initiative, stressing that a healthy mother and child are essential for a healthy society.Highlighting the importance of service, Yogi said the spirit of serving others makes human beings the finest creation of God. He praised the volunteers for embodying this value and inspiring others through their work.He urged doctors to extend their services beyond hospitals and dedicate at least one day each month to serving underprivileged communities.Referring to efforts since 2017, CM said state govt has taken significant steps to uplift marginalised communities, including those in forest and tribal areas, by providing housing, electricity, water, education, healthcare, and welfare benefits such as pensions and Ayushman Bharat health insurance.At the event, he honoured doctors, volunteers, and workers associated with the yatra for their contributions. He expressed confidence that the initiative would continue to grow into a larger movement, ensuring equitable healthcare access for all sections of society.