Azad invites private sector in healthcare infra

NEW DELHI - Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday urged the private sector to participate in the health ministry’s project of building hospitals and medical colleges on land owned by the railways.

Over 400 sites (owned by railway ministry) have been identified and handed over to the health ministry. We will work with state governments, and other ministries. But government resources will not be enough and even after taking all, we need help from you (private sector), Azad said.

He said discussions on such collaborations will be held after the winter session of parliament concludes.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the railway and health ministries in February this year to develop health care facilities like diagnostic centres, out-patient centres, in-patient medical treatment facilities, super-speciality hospitals, medical colleges and nursing schools.

Under the agreement, while the railways would provide land, the health ministry would be in charge of setting up infrastructure.

Railway land all over the country was lying waste for all these years with unwanted elements taking it over. I am happy that Didi (Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee) was forthcoming…she is a revolutionary woman, Azad added.