Our State Celebrates Its Silver Jubilee Year, Advancing Towards a Developed Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is celebrating its silver jubilee year, marking a significant milestone in its journey of development. The state is progressing with the mantra of “health for prosperity.” Today, Chhattisgarh is emerging as a major hub for medical tourism. There was a time when people had to travel to Delhi and Mumbai for the treatment of severe illnesses. However, now, even the most critical diseases are being treated by dedicated doctors in Raipur. From heart and kidney transplants to advanced cancer treatments, state-of-the-art medical technologies are available in Raipur’s hospitals.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai emphasized this during the oath-taking ceremony of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). He stated that the state government is making every possible effort to provide the best medical facilities to its citizens. From primary health centers to district hospitals, medical infrastructure is being strengthened with improved resources, necessary infrastructure, and recruitment of doctors and medical staff.

The Chief Minister highlighted key initiatives such as the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Health Scheme. Under the Ayushman scheme, poor families and citizens above 70 years of age across all categories receive free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh, while APL families are entitled to free treatment of up to ₹50,000. Additionally, financial aid for complex medical treatments is provided through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

He noted that Chhattisgarh has a total of 14 medical colleges, including 10 government and 4 private institutions. Four new government medical colleges are under construction in Janjgir-Champa, Kabirdham, Manendragarh, and Geedam, which will further expand healthcare services. The Chief Minister expressed pride in the fact that people from abroad are also coming to Chhattisgarh for treatment, making the state a prominent destination for medical tourism.

The Chief Minister also praised organizations like IMA, emphasizing their vital role in strengthening relationships between doctors and patients.

Healthcare Initiatives in Chhattisgarh
Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal highlighted the efforts to make healthcare services more accessible and robust. He credited the collaboration and dedication of medical professionals for helping Chhattisgarh achieve new milestones in healthcare. The government has increased financial powers to improve medical facilities in state-run medical colleges.

The Health Minister shed light on the state’s achievements in healthcare, particularly in sickle cell screening, where Chhattisgarh leads the nation with 12.9 million screenings conducted. The establishment of a Sickle Cell Research Institute and the initiation of bone marrow transplant facilities are underway, with an allocation of ₹48 crore for the project. He assured IMA Raipur of the government’s full support in initiatives benefiting doctors and public welfare.

Commitments by IMA and Officials
Newly elected IMA President Dr. Kuldeep Solanki pledged full cooperation from the association in expanding healthcare and medical education in the state. He assured that IMA would act as a bridge between the government and healthcare providers with utmost commitment.

The event was attended by MLAs Shri Purandar Mishra and Shri Sunil Soni, IMA Chhattisgarh President Dr. Prabhat Pandey, Dr. Purnendu Saxena, IMA officials, and a large gathering of doctors. Former MLA Dr. Vimal Chopra also addressed the program.