MEDICAL COLLEGE AND MODEL SADAR HOSPITAL OF ARA—TOWARDS A HISTORIC VICTORY OF PUBLIC HEALTH

MEDICAL COLLEGE AND MODEL SADAR HOSPITAL OF ARA—TOWARDS A HISTORIC VICTORY OF PUBLIC HEALTH

2-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------Ara, the proud headquarters of Bhojpur district, is facing many difficulties and challenges today, the most important of which is the lack of health facilities. For years, people here have been forced to go to Patna, Banaras or other cities for minor to serious diseases. But now the day is not far when this situation will change historically.

The Government Medical College and Hospital and Model Sadar Hospital, Arrah, being built in Bhojpur district, are being constructed at a rapid pace. When both these institutions are fully ready and start functioning smoothly with full capacity, it will be a sign of a health revolution not only for Bhojpur, but for the entire Shahabad and West Bihar.

Now even the poorest of the poor will have access to better treatment at government rates. People will not have to go to Patna or Banaras. Specialist doctors and modern machines will be available near home. More patients will be able to get treatment here, which will reduce the pressure on referral hospitals. When government hospitals are strengthened, the common man will be freed from the arbitrary fees of private hospitals. The existence of many private nursing homes which are running without adequate resources today will be in danger. Many such hospitals are bound to be shut down. This victory will not be just the opening of an institution, it will be the victory of public awareness, government's farsightedness and shared responsibility of the society. When a poor person will be able to get treatment without fear, a mother will be able to have a safe delivery, an elderly person will be able to get medicine without spending fare - then it will be considered the biggest achievement of Ara.

That is why it is important that we all cooperate in this work - whether it is monitoring the construction work, reminding public representatives or spreading public awareness. Because when the Medical College and Model Sadar Hospital of Ara will start functioning with full strength, then it will not be just a building, but will be a symbol of hope, rights and self-respect of every Ara resident.