Veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, through his digital series “Intezaar Shastra,” raised concerns about the delay in inaugurating the Institute of Cardiology at SMS Hospital in Jaipur. Gehlot criticized the state government for allegedly neglecting public healthcare and questioned if government hospitals in Rajasthan are being weakened to favor private hospitals. The Institute of Cardiology, constructed at a cost of Rs 50 crore, remains uninaugurated despite completion.
Gehlot highlighted the potential impact of the delay on public health, emphasizing the need for timely operationalization of the institute. The facility, equipped with 250 beds, five modular operating theatres, and advanced services like robotic angioplasty, was intended to provide comprehensive heart-related treatments under one roof. The project, which commenced in April 2022, was slated for completion by January 2025.
The video shared by Gehlot showcased the Institute of Cardiology’s infrastructure and underscored the urgency of making its services available to the public. It pointed out the rising cases of heart-related ailments post-COVID-19 and stressed the significance of timely healthcare interventions. Despite the construction being reportedly incomplete, the institute’s operational timeline remains uncertain, leaving the public without crucial medical services.
Gehlot also referenced plans for Institutes of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, expressing disappointment over the delay in their establishment. He criticized the government for what he perceived as a failure to prioritize public health infrastructure, suggesting that thousands of patients could have benefitted had these facilities been operational. Additionally, Gehlot highlighted concerns regarding the suspension of construction projects at the Rajasthan International Centre and issues related to universities for the differently-abled in the state.
