Union Home Minister inaugurates BGS Medical campus in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the sprawling new campus of Adichunchanagiri University and BGS Medical College and Hospital on the outskirts of Bengaluru, reiterating the Centre’s commitment to accessible healthcare and inclusive medical education, especially for the poor and underprivileged.

The event, held at the BGS Medical College and Hospital campus in Nagarur, was organised by Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math.

The ceremony was attended by several key dignitaries, including Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V. Somanna, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Karnataka Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil, and spiritual leaders such as Swami Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji and Swami Paramatmananda Saraswatiji.

Addressing a large gathering, Amit Shah praised the vision and service-driven mission of Adichunchanagiri Math. “Our culture teaches us to serve society, and Swami Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji has exemplified this through the creation of an educational and healthcare complex that will benefit thousands,” Shah said.

Built at a cost of ₹200 crore across 17 acres, the new institution comprises an advanced medical college with the capacity to educate 4,000 students and a 1,000-bed modern hospital offering super-speciality services.

Significantly, both education and treatment at the facility will be provided either free or at concessional rates for the economically weaker sections.

Shah pointed out that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader vision of inclusive healthcare.

“Twenty-six years ago, PM Modi said poverty stems from illness, and illness from unaffordable healthcare. Today, that vision has translated into reality. Under Ayushman Bharat, 60 crore people now receive free treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually,” he said.

Shah also outlined a series of health and wellness initiatives rolled out over the past decade, including the construction of 12 lakh toilets, the launch of the Fit India Movement, celebration of International Yoga Day, free vaccinations through Mission Indradhanush, and the Poshan Abhiyan for mother and child nutrition.

“Today, 15,000 outlets supply generic medicines at just 20 percent of the cost of branded drugs,” he added.

Highlighting a parallel transformation in medical education, the Home Minister noted that the number of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the country had grown from 7 to 23.

“India now has 780 medical colleges, up from 387 in 2014. MBBS seats have gone up from 51,000 to 1.80 lakh, and postgraduate seats from 31,000 to 74,000. That’s a revolution in healthcare manpower,” he said.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy credited Amit Shah for his political mentorship and commitment to Karnataka’s development.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah, the Centre is working to transform India. I always turn to Amit Shah for direction in handling complex issues in my ministry,” he remarked.

State Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil emphasized Karnataka’s leadership in medical education, with 70 medical colleges including 24 in the government sector.

“Private participation in medical education was a game-changer. Like how engineering colleges created the IT revolution in Bengaluru, medical colleges are now strengthening our healthcare backbone,” he said.

Patil acknowledged the severe competition in medical admissions — with 24 lakh NEET aspirants competing for just one lakh MBBS seats — and urged the Centre to promote more medical colleges across the country.

“We aim to establish a medical college, super-speciality hospital, and cancer centre in every district,” he declared.

The inauguration event concluded with blessings from spiritual heads Swami Paramatmananda Saraswatiji of Rajkot and Madara Channaiah Swamiji of Chitradurga, reinforcing the message of integrating spirituality, education, and service for nation-building.