‘Health for all’: Uttar Pradesh emerges as leading example of healthcare transformation

With rapid expansion in medical colleges, improved access to healthcare facilities, and measurable gains in public health indicators, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a leading example of healthcare transformation.

The state’s recent progress reflects focused reforms and sustained efforts across education, infrastructure, and service delivery.

Expansion of Medical education

Medical education has seen rapid growth across the state. In 1947, Uttar Pradesh had only two medical colleges. This number increased to 42 by 2015 and further surged to 90 during 2024–25, bringing the state close to the goal of "One District, One Medical College."

The establishment of AIIMS in Rae Bareli and Gorakhpur, along with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow, has strengthened the state’s capacity for advanced medical training.

At present, government medical colleges offer 5,250 MBBS seats, while private institutions contribute 6,350 seats.

Healthcare infra and accessibility

Healthcare access has expanded across both rural and urban areas. The density of health units per 10,000 population increased from 13.23 in 2015 to 35.71 in 2023–24.

Emergency medical services have been reinforced with a fleet of over 4,500 ambulances operating under the 108 and 102 services.

Advanced diagnostic facilities have also expanded, with dialysis services now available in all 75 districts and CT scan services functional in 74 districts.

Maternal and child health indicators

Uttar Pradesh has made strong progress in maternal and child healthcare outcomes. Institutional deliveries rose from 67.8 percent in 2015–16 to 96.10 percent in 2024–25, significantly narrowing the gap with the national average.

The Maternal Mortality Ratio declined from 201 in 2014–16 to 142 in 2020–22. The Infant Mortality Rate recorded a 13.95 percent decline between 2016 and 2021.

Immunisation coverage improved substantially, reaching 91.3 percent by 2021 under Mission Indradhanush, compared to just 5 percent at the time of independence.

Ayushman Bharat expands financial protection

Financial protection against healthcare costs has been a key focus area. Under the PM-JAY and Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya schemes, more than 5.2 crore Ayushman cards have been issued in the state.

Around 56.30 lakh beneficiaries have received free treatment. Uttar Pradesh also ranks first in the country for creating 13.18 crore ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) IDs.

Disease control efforts

Uttar Pradesh has recorded major success in disease control initiatives. Through the "Dastak" campaign, launched in 2018 in collaboration with UNICEF, the state has effectively tackled Encephalitis (JE/AES). Deaths have reduced by 99 percent, the Case Fatality Rate dropped by 93 percent, and total cases declined by 85 percent.

Under the TB Mukt Abhiyan, aligned with the national goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, the state reported 6.81 lakh TB cases in 2024, achieving 114 percent of the target.

Treatment success for drug-sensitive TB reached 89 percent in 2023, exceeding the national average.

Community participation has been strong, with 7,191 Gram Panchayats declared "TB-Free."

From expanding medical colleges to reducing maternal and child mortality, Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare system is entering a "New Era" of development. By combining digital health initiatives such as ABHA with ground-level interventions like "Dastak," the state is working to ensure that quality healthcare is no longer a luxury, but a guaranteed right for every citizen.

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