Delhi CM Rekha Gupta unveils Hedgewar statue

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday unveiled a statue of Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Dr Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan in Shahdara and announced the expansion of the 200-bed hospital, along with a Rs 700 crore special allocation for the revived Yamunapar Development Board.

Addressing a gathering at the hospital, Gupta said the statue of the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh would inspire the spirit of “Nation First” and serve as a symbol of service and dedication. She added that development in Delhi would be equal on both sides of the Yamuna.

Announcing the hospital’s expansion, the Chief Minister said a new floor would be constructed and modern medical equipment installed to meet rising patient needs in East Delhi. She directed officials to prepare a detailed report and begin work at the earliest, stressing that strengthening healthcare services in Yamunapar remained a priority.

Highlighting recent healthcare initiatives, Gupta said Ayushman Bharat coverage in Delhi had been enhanced from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, and a ‘Vay Vandan Yojana’ had been launched for senior citizens above 70 years. She said over seven lakh citizens had registered under the scheme and nearly 30,000 had received treatment benefits. So far, 370 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs were established, with a target of 1,100 centres.

She also said that Delhi’s government hospitals had been fully digitised, enabling online OPD appointments and digital health records. Advanced facilities, including a CT scanner and neuro ICU, were added at GB Pant Hospital.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the installation of the statue was a proud moment and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, adding that over 14 lakh people had benefited from expanded services in the past year.