PNS | DEHRADUN
The Bharatiya Janata Party State media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan defended the decision to operate Haridwar Medical College in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode, stating that it is in Uttarakhand’s best interest. He claimed that the move will not affect students’ interests and that the public will continue receiving government services similar to other medical colleges.
He explained that the government had already clarified its stance, asserting that the decision was made in the public’s interest. He assured that the PPP mode will not lead to higher fees for students, who will continue to receive the same government benefits and services as other public medical colleges. “The agreement explicitly states that students’ academic certificates and degrees will be issued with the name of the Haridwar Government Medical College and treatment for patients will follow the same rates as Ayushman cards or CGHS cards,” he said.
Chauhan stated that the primary aim of the decision is to modernise hospital and medical college facilities, ensuring students and patients benefit the most. He also highlighted the monetary advantages, stating that it will reduce the State’s financial burden, including a Rs 100 crore saving annually in salary expenses and a Rs 50 crore reduction in operational costs. He also accused the Congress of trying to create confusion and political drama around the decision.
He said that the BJP has opened several new medical colleges and hospitals during its tenure, something that the Congress resents. He claimed that the Karnataka government is also planning to open 11 medical colleges under the PPP model, without facing any opposition, simply because it is a Congress-led government. Chauhan criticised the Congress for merely indulging in politics of protest and stated that it should appreciate the government’s efforts in bringing about positive change.
