Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Charts Ambitious Healthcare Roadmap at National Conference
Raipur: Chhattisgarh is actively shaping its next phase of healthcare policy through extensive stakeholder consultation while simultaneously accelerating infrastructure development, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced on Friday. The declaration came during his address at the prestigious All India Health Sciences Vice Chancellellors Meet-2026, held in Nava Raipur.
Strategic Deliberations for Enhanced Public Health Delivery
Speaking at the Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Health Sciences and Ayush University, Chief Minister Sai emphasized that the conference deliberations would significantly influence policy formulation and sharpen the delivery of public health services across the state. He described the gathering as a milestone event for Chhattisgarh, successfully bringing together educationists, vice-chancellors, and students from across the nation.
"This convergence of minds will help steer our healthcare policy in the right direction and ensure more effective implementation of public health initiatives," Sai stated during his keynote address.
Substantial Infrastructure Expansion Underway
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government's remarkable progress in the health sector over the past two years, with multiple infrastructure projects currently in various stages of development:
- Construction of five new medical colleges
- Development of fourteen nursing colleges
- Establishment of one homeopathy college
These projects represent a comprehensive approach to strengthening Chhattisgarh's medical education and healthcare delivery capabilities.
National Schemes Transforming Healthcare Accessibility
Sai specifically praised the impact of the Ayushman Bharat scheme under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, noting that the program provides financial support of up to ₹5 lakh to economically disadvantaged families. "This initiative has fundamentally changed healthcare accessibility," he remarked. "People no longer face the devastating burden of medical debt or the need to sell ancestral land to afford treatment."
Addressing Rural Health Challenges
Concerning the rising prevalence of diabetes and cancer in rural areas, the Chief Minister pointed to central government initiatives like "Arogya Mandir" that promote healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare. He also mentioned the central government's decision to establish three Ayurvedic AIIMS institutions across the country, representing a significant investment in traditional medicine systems.
Leveraging Natural Resources and Traditional Expertise
Highlighting Chhattisgarh's unique advantages, Sai noted that 44% of the state comprises forest cover rich in medicinal plants, creating exceptional opportunities for herbal medicine research and development. He expressed particular pride in Padma Shri awardee Hemchand Manjhi, whose expertise in treating serious diseases attracts patients from international locations, showcasing the state's potential as a medical tourism destination.
Visionary Projects for World-Class Healthcare
The Chief Minister outlined ambitious plans for a Medicity Hub in the capital region, which will include a 5,000-bed super-speciality hospital designed to provide world-class medical facilities. This project represents a significant leap forward in Chhattisgarh's healthcare infrastructure ambitions.
Additionally, Sai reported that over a dozen private hospitals have opened in Raipur during his tenure, further expanding healthcare access and options for residents.
Innovations in Medical Education and Technology Integration
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal announced that medical education in the state now includes the option of Hindi medium instruction, making medical training more accessible to local students. He further emphasized that the integration of technology and artificial intelligence will make future health services more effective and responsive to patient needs.
Focus on Rural Healthcare Equity
Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agrawal emphasized the critical importance of extending quality health services to rural areas, ensuring healthcare equity across all regions of Chhattisgarh. He confirmed that valuable suggestions emerging from the conference would be formally submitted to the Ministry of Ayush for consideration in national policy development.
The All India Health Sciences Vice Chancellors Meet-2026 has positioned Chhattisgarh as an emerging leader in healthcare innovation, with comprehensive plans spanning infrastructure development, policy refinement, traditional medicine integration, and technological advancement.
