Gujarat has launched free diagnostic centers across rural areas on June 25, 2025, aiming to bridge healthcare gaps. These centers offer advanced diagnostics like blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds at no cost, targeting underserved communities. Backed by the state government, the initiative seeks to improve early diagnosis, reduce mortality rates, and enhance rural healthcare access under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s vision.
Gujarat Bolsters Rural Healthcare with Free Diagnostic Centers
On June 25, 2025, Gujarat took a monumental step toward transforming rural healthcare by inaugurating a network of free diagnostic centers across its villages. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, this ambitious initiative aims to provide accessible, high-quality medical diagnostics to millions in underserved rural areas, addressing longstanding healthcare disparities in the state.
The free diagnostic centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, offering a range of tests including blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, and ECGs at no cost to patients. Strategically located in primary health centers (PHCs) and community health centers (CHCs), these facilities are designed to ensure that even the most remote villages have access to early and accurate diagnosis. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision of “Healthy Gujarat, Prosperous Gujarat,” a mantra championed by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Patel.
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, speaking at the launch event in Gandhinagar, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, which have been persistent challenges in rural Gujarat. “These centers will empower rural communities by bringing world-class diagnostics to their doorsteps. No one should suffer due to the lack of affordable healthcare,” he said. The minister highlighted that the state has allocated ₹300 crore for the first phase, with plans to establish 500 such centers by the end of 2026.
The initiative builds on Gujarat’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure. According to government data, the state has already reduced its maternal mortality rate (MMR) by 15% over the past five years through schemes like the Kasturba Poshan Sahay Yojana and Mukhyamantri Matrushakti Yojana. The new diagnostic centers are expected to further this progress by enabling timely detection of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and anemia, which disproportionately affect rural populations.
Local residents have welcomed the move. In Banaskantha’s tribal villages, where access to private diagnostics is limited, farmers and daily wage workers expressed relief at the prospect of free testing. “We used to travel 50 kilometers to the city for a simple blood test, spending half our earnings,” said Ramesh Solanki, a farmer from Palanpur. “Now, we can get it done here without worrying about money.”
The centers also address the shortage of specialists in rural areas, a longstanding issue in Gujarat. By integrating telemedicine services, patients can consult with urban-based doctors for follow-ups, reducing the need for costly travel. The state has partnered with private healthcare providers to ensure the centers are equipped with trained technicians and cutting-edge equipment, while the government covers operational costs.
This initiative comes at a time when Gujarat is striving to shed its lag in rural healthcare metrics compared to other developed states. A 2020 report had flagged Gujarat’s rural healthcare infrastructure as trailing behind states like Bihar and Rajasthan in terms of specialist availability. However, recent efforts, including incentives for doctors in tribal areas and the addition of 3,000 new doctors annually through new medical colleges, signal a robust push to close this gap.
The free diagnostic centers are part of a broader health revolution in Gujarat, which includes the expansion of Khilkhilat ambulances and nutrition-focused schemes like Poshan Sudha Yojana for tribal women. By December 2025, the state aims to integrate these centers with mobile health units to further enhance outreach in remote areas.
As Gujarat continues to modernize its healthcare system, the launch of these diagnostic centers marks a pivotal moment in ensuring equitable access to medical services. Rural communities, long neglected in the healthcare narrative, now have a fighting chance at a healthier future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from official government announcements, reports from the Gujarat Health and Family Welfare Department, and local news sources as of June 25, 2025. Data and statistics are sourced from the National Health Mission and state government portals. For the latest updates, refer to official channels.