Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal Inaugurates Primary Health Centre in Kurrootola

Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal inaugurated the newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Kurrootola, built at a cost of ₹57.96 lakh under Charama development block. The centre will provide primary healthcare services to residents of 12 nearby villages—including Kurrootola, Dedkohka, Gidhali, Ratedih, Tirkadand, Kahargondi, Aanwari, Mudkhusara, Oonkari, Chuchurungpur, Chapeli and Salhetola—covering almost a 10-km radius. The PHC will now be known in honour of martyr Ganesh Kunjam.

Addressing the programme, Minister Jaiswal said he feels immense joy visiting the culturally rich Bastar region. He noted that malaria-related deaths were once common in Bastar, but due to improved health facilities, no malaria deaths have been recorded this year. He also announced the launch of 57 new Mobile Medical Units in the state, which will extend healthcare services to remote areas, including Kanker district.

Highlighting challenges in reaching inaccessible regions, he said that bike ambulances—previously operational—will be reinstated where regular ambulances cannot reach.

During the event, the Minister honoured the parents of martyr Ganesh Kunjam of Gidhali village, who laid down his life for the nation in the Galwan Valley. He also announced that the Kurrootola PHC would be named after him. Additionally, he sanctioned ₹84 lakh for G-type residential quarters for doctors and nurses, and ₹21 lakh for constructing a boundary wall around the health centre premises.

Block Medical Officer Dr. O. P. Shankhwar informed that the PHC has been staffed with a medical officer, RMA, staff nurse, and lab technician. He added that nearly 98% of the population in Charama block has been issued Ayushman cards.

Minister Jaiswal inspected the health centre, visiting the laboratory, emergency ward, male and female inpatient wards, labour room and eye examination room. He expressed satisfaction at the available facilities.