Chief Minister Digvijay Singh laid the foundation of Jai Prakash Super Speciality Hospital proposed to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 25 crore at Bhopal recently. The hospital would be constructed in the premises of the existing J P Hospital under the Re-densification Scheme by Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Housing Federation.

The State Minister for Cooperatives, Dr Govind Singh presided over the foundation-laying ceremony, and the function was attended by the State Minister for Health, Bala Bachchan, State Minister for Tribal Welfare, Urmila Singh and Bhopal Mayor Vibha Patel, among others.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that all out efforts are being made to provide better care and facilities in government hospitals and to change their public image.

The Rogi Kalyan Samitis have done a commendable job by improving the arrangements in government hospitals. However, a lot still remains to do, he said adding that the service charges should be within affordable limits of people.

Singh stressed the need for quality in the construction of the new building and said that it should be ensured that it has all required medical and other facilities. He said that advice of experts in construction of medical building should be taken and special facilities should be provided for disabled persons in the building.

He asked the Chief Secretary to constitute a committee to find out the reason of difference in construction costs of construction agencies of public sector and to ensure uniformity.

The Minister for Cooperatives and Chairman of the Housing Federation, Dr Govind Singh assured that construction of the new hospital building would be of excellent quality. He said that the responsibility assigned to the Federation would be discharged with utmost sincerity and dedication.

Minister for Tribal Welfare Urmila Singh said that construction of the new building is a major achievement. She lauded the role of Rogi Kalyan Samitis in improving the facilities and arrangements in hospitals. The Minister for Health, Bala Bachchan informed the gathering that the health department is constructing 2500 buildings this year in the State.

Senior Vice-Chairman of the Federation, A S Singhdev delivered the welcome address and said that the construction would be completed in two phases. The total built up area of the hospital will be 60730 square feet.

MLA P C Sharma also spoke on the occasion. Director of the Federation, Ravindra Jain, proposed a vote of thanks.