Lucknow, June 4 -- In a major step towards more accessible public healthcare, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced that CT scan services will now be provided free of charge across all districts in the state. This initiative, aimed at easing the financial burden on patients, eliminates the previously imposed user fee of Rs 500 per scan. The reform follows directives issued by deputy chief minister, Brajesh Pathak, who has consistently advocated for the enhancement of government health services. Until now, diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and pathology were already offered at no cost in district hospitals. However, patients in cities including Lucknow, Agra, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Moradabad, and Raebareli continued to be charged for CT scans. With the implementation of the new policy, this fee has now been fully waived, ensuring equitable access to CT scan diagnostics for all, regardless of location or income. "This decision brings much-needed relief to thousands of patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections," said deputy chief minister Pathak. "It is a step towards equitable and accessible healthcare for every citizen." In a concurrent initiative to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the state government has sanctioned Rs 464.70 lakh to improve services across 12 government medical colleges and two prominent institutions in Kanpur, the heart disease institute and JK cancer institute. Each medical college will receive Rs 33.5 lakh, while JK cancer institute has been allotted Rs 31 lakh. The funds will be used to acquire advanced diagnostic equipment, improve security systems, and upgrade support infrastructure, thereby ensuring smoother and more efficient patient care. Beneficiaries of this funding include medical institutions in Agra, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Meerut, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Banda, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Jalaun, Kannauj, and Budaun....