Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Jul: In a significant move, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Secretariat here today for the construction of dedicated rest houses for attendants of patients at Government Doon Medical College and at Government Medical College, Haldwani. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for collaboration between the two medical institutions and the Sevadhan Arogya Sanstha.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Dhami asserted that the State Government has been unwavering in its commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure. He stated that the establishment of these rest houses would offer significant relief to caregivers who accompany patients during treatment. The initiative, he added, is aimed at addressing longstanding concerns regarding night shelter and suitable accommodation for attendants of hospitalised individuals. During the event, Dhami also urged Sevadhan Arogya Sanstha to replicate this model also at the AIIMS Satellite Centre in Kichha, to which, the organisation readily agreed.
According to the MoU, the Sevadhan Arogya Foundation will spearhead the construction of the rest houses, referred to as ‘rain baseras’, at both Government Medical College, Haldwani, and Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun. The combined capacity of the facilities will be 350 beds. Dormitory accommodation for overnight stay will be made available at an affordable rate of Rs 55 per bed, while twin-sharing rooms will be provided at Rs 300 per room. Breakfast and meals will be served at subsidised rates of Rs 20 and Rs 35, respectively, ensuring economic support for those in need.
The responsibility for the operation and upkeep of these rest houses will rest with the Sevadhan Arogya Foundation. For the construction, Government Doon Medical College will allot 1750 square metres of land, whereas Government Medical College, Haldwani, will allocate 1400 square metres. The duration of this MoU has been fixed at twenty years.
At the event, among those present included Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar, Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey, Director, Medical Education, Ashutosh Sayana, along with Abhishek Saxena, Anand Singh Bisen and Amit Das who represented Sevadhan Arogya Sanstha.
