Uttar Pradesh

• 21 Oct 2024

Kashi to Emerge as a Big Centre of Healthcare

Why in News?

Recently, during his visit to Varanasi, the Prime Minister inaugurated the RJ Sankara Eye Hospital.

• Kashi, traditionally known as a hub of religion and spirituality, is now also emerging as a significant healthcare center. The hospital's establishment represents a fusion of modern healthcare and spiritual heritage.

Key Points

• The newly inaugurated hospital will conduct 30,000 free eye surgeries annually for patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, following a cross-subsidization model where 75% of surgeries will be free and funded through the revenue generated from paying patients who constitute 25% of the beneficiaries.
• The facility will cater to the eye care needs of elderly individuals, children, and people from 20 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, as well as residents of nearby states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
• Other Launched Projects:
  • PM’s visit to Varanasi included launching several development initiatives valued at over ₹6,700 crore, including multiple airport projects.
  • At the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, he laid the foundation for the expansion of the runway, a new terminal building, and associated infrastructure at an estimated cost of ₹2,870 crore.

Note

• Kashi Vishvanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.
• The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shivatemples.
• The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning “Ruler of The Universe”.