TFP Bureau Raipur; July 2, 2024: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and the guidance of Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, health facilities across Chhattisgarh are experiencing significant expansion, resulting in remarkable increases in institutional deliveries. Primary Health Center (PHC) Katgi in the Kasdol development block and Ayushman Arogya Mandir Saloni in the Palari development block have emerged as leaders in institutional deliveries within the Balodabazar district.
From April 2023 to March 2024, Katgi PHC conducted 488 deliveries, surpassing its annual target of 120, while Saloni recorded 178 deliveries against a target of 36. Notably, all deliveries were normal, marking a significant achievement in maternal health care. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. MP Mahiswar emphasized that promoting institutional deliveries is a top government priority aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. He highlighted the comprehensive services provided through various government schemes, including transport arrangements, financial assistance under the ‘Janani Suraksha Yojana,’ and free essential medicines and tests.
Maternal Health Nodal Officer Dr. Shashi Jaiswal underscored the protective benefits of institutional deliveries, which ensure skilled supervision and reduce infection risks. Kasdol Block Medical Officer Dr. Ravishankar Ajgalle noted that Katgi PHC serves a wide area, attracting patients from villages within a 15-20 kilometer radius and even from neighboring districts like Bilaspur and Janjgir. Katgi has been awarded the National Quality Assurance Standard Certificate.
Palari BMO Dr. B. S. Dhruv mentioned that Saloni serves five villages and draws patients from nearby areas such as Dharashiv, Kailashgarh, and Amethi. Meanwhile, other Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the district, including those in Karhibazar, Kadar, Tarashiv, Kumhari, Damru, Khapri (S), Dhaneli, and Sudhela, have also conducted over a hundred deliveries each.
National Health Mission District Program Manager Srishti Mishra highlighted the importance of various government programs, urging pregnant and lactating mothers to avail themselves of the benefits offered by schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
In another significant event, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal attended the Chhattisgarh Health Conclave on July 1, 2024, to celebrate Doctor’s Day. The “Sushruta Award” program, part of the conclave, aimed to recognize and encourage the excellent work of doctors. During the event, Shri Jaiswal honored doctors who have shown unwavering dedication to human service and discussed new ideas and innovations to further elevate the state’s health services.
Shri Jaiswal expressed his appreciation for the doctors’ contributions, emphasizing the importance of their selfless service. The healthcare personnel at Katgi and Saloni, including Rural Medical Assistant Ravi Sen and nursing staff such as Sushma Dubey, Annapurna Sahu, Kevra Sinha, Pramila Sahu, Hemlata Dewangan, CHO Priyanka Verma, RHO Nirmala Sahu, and Manmohan Aryan, were recognized for their commendable services in ensuring safe institutional deliveries.
