The Uttar Pradesh government has granted administrative and financial approval for installing digital X-ray machines at 64 Community Health Centres (CHCs) in 24 districts, a New Year gift to patients announced by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak (who also holds the health portfolio). This move aims to modernize diagnostics at the grassroots level, making advanced imaging available closer to home.

Digital X-rays provide superior image quality, instant results, and reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional systems—crucial for diagnosing chest infections (TB, pneumonia), fractures, foreign bodies, gunshot wounds, kidney stones, and abdominal perforations. As Dr. G.P. Gupta, Additional Director of Health, noted, “All chest conditions, including TB, pneumonia or fractures, need good X-ray.”

The rollout targets:

Lucknow: 16 CHCs (highest allocation).

Rae Bareli: 5.

Azamgarh, Etawah, Mau: 4 each.

Aligarh, Kanpur Nagar: 3 each.

Multiple districts (e.g., Kannauj, Moradabad, Sambhal) receiving 2, with one each in others like Deoria, Rampur, Prayagraj, and Ballia.

This initiative underscores healthcare improvement as a state priority, particularly in underserved areas where patients often travel far for basic imaging. By equipping CHCs, the government reduces burden on district hospitals and enhances timely interventions.