TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 14, 2026:Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai chaired a high-level review meeting of the Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Departments at Mahanadi Bhawan on Wednesday. During the meeting, he reviewed the schemes, achievements, and upcoming action plans of the Directorate of Health Services and National Health Mission; the Directorate of Medical Education; the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation; the Directorate of AYUSH and National AYUSH Mission; and the Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai said healthcare services are highly sensitive and directly linked to citizens’ lives and their families’ well-being. Ensuring that every citizen of Chhattisgarh has timely, easy access to quality treatment, essential medicines, diagnostic services, and better medical facilities when needed is among the state government’s top priorities. The state must also expand healthcare infrastructure, improve service quality, and ensure these services reach the last person.<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that healthcare infrastructure has expanded continuously across the state, with several good hospitals and medical institutions having been developed. He directed officials to identify and address, on priority, shortages of doctors, specialists, healthcare workers, medical equipment and diagnostic facilities wherever they exist. Available resources should be managed more effectively to ensure that patients receive the maximum benefit.<\/p>\n
*Long-Term Healthcare Infrastructure Plan to Address Future Requirements*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai directed officials to prepare a long-term action plan for healthcare infrastructure development, considering the state’s growing population and future healthcare requirements. He said officials should assess existing healthcare facilities, population, geographical conditions, available resources, and future needs in every district. Based on this assessment, officials should prepare a clear action plan to expand healthcare institutions and develop essential facilities.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister directed officials to increase hospital bed capacity as needed, expand specialist services, and prioritise essential medical facilities in newly formed districts. He said healthcare infrastructure development should not be limited to building construction. A comprehensive approach must also ensure the availability of doctors, healthcare workers, equipment, medicines, and diagnostic facilities.<\/p>\n
*Essential Medicines and Diagnostic Facilities Must Be Available from District Hospitals to Primary Health Centres*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai issued clear instructions to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines at district hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres. Patients should not face unnecessary difficulties or have to visit multiple places for routine tests and treatment. He also stressed the regular maintenance and effective use of medical equipment.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister said that no important medical equipment available in a hospital should remain out of service for an extended period due to a lack of maintenance or repairs. Officials should develop an effective monitoring system and arrangements for timely repairs.<\/p>\n
The meeting reviewed the financial progress of health services and the National Health Mission, the availability of human resources and the status of recruitment against vacant posts. Officials informed that efforts are underway to fill vacant positions and that the process of making necessary amendments to service recruitment rules is also in progress.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite recruitment, stating that adequate human resources in healthcare institutions are essential to maintain service quality. Officials informed that Atal Arogya Labs are operational in 1,045 healthcare institutions across Chhattisgarh.<\/p>\n
Important healthcare facilities, including dialysis, trauma care, blood banks, intensive care units (ICUs) and CT scans, are also being expanded continuously. Dialysis facilities are currently available at 33 locations across the state, and 25 new dialysis centres are being established.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister reviewed the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme, quality standards in healthcare institutions, and digital health services such as e-Hospital and ABHA. He directed officials to use technology to improve patient convenience and healthcare service efficiency.<\/p>\n
*Every Delivery Must Be Safe, and Both Mother and Child Must Remain Healthy: Chief Minister*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai described maternal and child healthcare as one of the government’s major priorities. He directed officials to ensure regular health check-ups for pregnant women, adequate nutrition, necessary medical care and safe institutional deliveries.<\/p>\n
Primary and community health centres must have the necessary facilities for childbirth, with special attention to the dignity, safety and comfort of women during delivery. He said every effort should be made to ensure each delivery is safe and that both mother and child remain healthy. The Health Department must work with complete sensitivity and responsibility towards achieving this objective.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh’s maternal mortality rate has declined, but it still needs improvement. He directed officials to prepare and implement a special action plan to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates to the national averages.<\/p>\n
The meeting also reviewed institutional deliveries, full immunisation, immunisation coverage among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), malaria prevention, leprosy control and tuberculosis elimination programmes.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister directed officials to improve access to healthcare services in remote and tribal areas so diseases can be detected early and patients can receive treatment early.<\/p>\n
*Alternative Transport Arrangements to Be Developed for Difficult and Remote Areas*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai reviewed the services of 108 Sanjeevani Express and 102 Mahtari Express, emphasising the need for timely medical assistance during emergencies. He said people living in remote, forested, and hard-to-reach areas should not be deprived of medical treatment merely because of geographical challenges. He directed officials to develop alternative transport arrangements suited to local conditions in areas where ambulances cannot reach because of poor road access or geographical difficulties.<\/p>\n
The local level should establish practical arrangements to safely transport patients from villages to ambulance pickup points or the nearest healthcare centres without delay.<\/p>\n
Officials informed that 375 ambulances are available under the 108 Sanjeevani Express service and 380 vehicles under the 102 Mahtari Express service in Chhattisgarh. More than 2.19 lakh beneficiaries received assistance through the Mahtari Express service between January and August 2026.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure ambulance services are available on time and operate effectively.<\/p>\n
*Families Should Not Face Difficulties Arranging Hearse Vehicles During Bereavement*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai directed officials to strengthen hearse vehicle services further, emphasising that human sensitivity must remain central to healthcare delivery. He said that losing a family member is among the most difficult and painful moments in a family’s life. At such a time, families should not have to struggle to arrange a basic service such as a hearse vehicle.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister directed that, in the event of a death at a hospital, hearse vehicle services should be made easily and promptly available to the bereaved family. The Health Department should develop arrangements that fully respect the dignity and emotions of patients and their families.<\/p>\n
*Expand Screening, Counselling and Public Awareness for Sickle Cell Elimination*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai reviewed programmes to prevent, screen, and treat sickle cell disease. He said that sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder and that widespread public awareness is essential. In addition to expanding screening, counselling, and treatment facilities, officials should raise public awareness of voluntary premarital screening and genetic counselling
\nThe Chief Minister directed officials to undertake planned, effective efforts to eliminate sickle cell disease by 2047. He particularly emphasised strengthening screening and counselling services in affected areas.<\/p>\n
*Mental Health Is an Important Part of Overall Well-Being*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai reviewed mental healthcare services and said that mental health is an important component of a person’s overall health. There is a need to increase public awareness about mental health-related problems.<\/p>\n
Information about available medical facilities, counselling services and treatment arrangements should be widely disseminated so that people in need can seek timely assistance.<\/p>\n
The meeting also reviewed progress on the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayata Yojana, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, mobile health services, and Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan. Officials informed that one lakh people have received treatment benefits under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that all eligible patients receive the full benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. He emphasised further strengthening awareness of government schemes and access to healthcare services, particularly in remote areas.<\/p>\n
*Equal Emphasis on Quality Alongside Expansion of Medical Education*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai reviewed the Medical Education Department’s functioning and said medical colleges and medical education facilities are expanding rapidly across Chhattisgarh. He emphasised that ensuring quality medical education, adequate faculty, specialist doctors, and modern equipment is equally important.<\/p>\n
Officials said Chhattisgarh currently has 22 medical institutions: 15 government medical colleges, one AIIMS, and six private medical colleges. In addition, the government has approved six new medical colleges.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister conducted a detailed review of the progress of government medical colleges under construction, the establishment of new colleges, and the availability of faculty and specialist doctors in operational medical colleges. He directed officials to resolve practical difficulties related to construction works and other arrangements within stipulated timelines.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister said that medical colleges are not merely institutions for medical education but also important healthcare centres for their respective regions. Therefore, it is essential to develop better treatment facilities alongside quality education. He also reviewed the status of the outpatient department (OPD), inpatient department (IPD) and various diagnostic facilities in medical colleges.<\/p>\n
*Nursing, Physiotherapy and Allied Health Education Also Expanding*<\/p>\n
Officials said the number of government nursing colleges in Chhattisgarh has increased from eight to 17, while physiotherapy colleges have risen from one to seven.<\/p>\n
For the first time in the state, 11 allied health courses are being introduced, with 640 seats across 10 medical colleges. Chhattisgarh has also introduced two seats in DM Cardiology at Mekahara Hospital in Raipur.<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that expanding medical education will increase the availability of trained doctors, nursing personnel, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals across the state. This will directly benefit healthcare services in Chhattisgarh.<\/p>\n
*No Negligence in Medicine Availability or Equipment Maintenance*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai reviewed the functioning of the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation and sought information regarding the procurement, supply, storage and distribution of medicines. He said that medicine supply arrangements must ensure that patients do not face difficulties due to shortages of essential medicines at any healthcare institution. He directed officials to establish effective arrangements to maintain and promptly repair medical equipment.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister said accountability must be ensured in managing resources related to healthcare services.<\/p>\n
He also reviewed the institutions, human resources, treatment facilities and schemes under the Directorate of AYUSH and the National AYUSH Mission. He directed officials to strengthen AYUSH-related services and ensure better utilisation of available resources.<\/p>\n
*Intensive Inspection Campaign Against Food Adulteration During Festive Season*<\/p>\n
During the review of the Food and Drug Administration Department, Chief Minister Shri Sai directed officials to conduct an intensive inspection campaign across the state to ensure the quality and purity of food products during the upcoming festive season. He said that demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items increases during festivals. Regular inspections should therefore be conducted at food manufacturing, storage and sales establishments. Strict action must be taken in accordance with the rules wherever substandard or adulterated food products are found.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister made it clear that there would be no compromise on citizens’ health. He directed food safety officials to perform their duties with complete vigilance and responsibility.<\/p>\n
*Reaching the Last Person Is the Real Measure of Healthcare Schemes’ Success*<\/p>\n
Chief Minister Shri Sai told officials that the real measure of success of the Health Department’s schemes and services is how easily and promptly their benefits reach the last person when needed. Healthcare facilities should be reviewed regularly at the district level, with shortcomings identified and promptly addressed based on local requirements. He said the state government is committed to making healthcare services more accessible, responsive and of higher quality while continuously expanding healthcare infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The government’s objective is to ensure that every citizen of Chhattisgarh, whether living in a major city or a remote forest region, receives timely and quality treatment whenever required.<\/p>\n
The state government is continuously strengthening healthcare services to ensure no family faces difficulties due to a lack of medical facilities.<\/p>\n
Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Health Department Secretary Shri Amit Kataria, Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri P. Dayanand, Director of Health Services Shri Sanjeev Kumar Jha, Commissioner of Medical Education Shri Ritesh Agrawal, Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Prabhat Malik, and senior officials of the Health Department attended the meeting.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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