Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai (left) and Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal (right) during the high-level review of healthcare services and medical education at Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, where the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure quality treatment, essential medicines and accessible medical facilities for every citizen of Chhattisgarh. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Chief Minister directs long-term expansion of healthcare infrastructure, timely availability of doctors and medicines, safer institutional deliveries and stronger emergency services; warns that no compromise with public health or food safety will be tolerated.
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reviews the Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education departments at Mahanadi Bhawan.
- District hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres directed to maintain essential medicines, diagnostic facilities and medical personnel.
- Six additional medical colleges approved; the state currently has 22 medical institutions, including AIIMS and private medical colleges.
- Chhattisgarh has 1,045 Atal Arogya Labs and dialysis facilities at 33 locations, with 25 additional centres being established.
- Special emphasis on maternal and child healthcare, mental health, sickle cell disease, emergency transport and healthcare access in remote tribal regions.
- Chief Minister orders intensive food inspections during the festive season and strict action against adulteration.
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, declared that ensuring quality healthcare and its easy accessibility to every citizen of Chhattisgarh remains among the state government’s highest priorities. Chairing a high-level review of the Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education departments at Mahanadi Bhawan, the Chief Minister directed officials to strengthen medical infrastructure, address shortages of doctors and essential medicines, improve diagnostic and emergency services, and ensure that geographical isolation or inadequate facilities never deprive citizens of timely treatment. He also ordered intensified food safety inspections ahead of the festive season, making it clear that no compromise with public health would be tolerated.
The comprehensive review covered the functioning of the Directorate of Health Services, National Health Mission, Directorate of Medical Education, Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation, Directorate of AYUSH, National AYUSH Mission and Food and Drug Administration.
The meeting examined infrastructure development, financial progress, recruitment, medical education, maternal and child healthcare, emergency transport, disease prevention, public health schemes and the availability of essential medical services.
Healthcare Must Reach Every Citizen, Not Remain Confined to Buildings: Sai
Chief Minister Sai stressed that healthcare is an exceptionally sensitive responsibility because it directly concerns the lives, security and wellbeing of individuals and their families.
He said the government was determined to ensure that citizens receive treatment, medicines, diagnostic services and appropriate medical assistance when they need them.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chairs a high-level review meeting of the Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education departments at Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and senior government officials attend the meeting, during which the Chief Minister emphasises quality healthcare, adequate medical facilities, availability of essential medicines and improved health services in remote and tribal areas.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
“Healthcare services are directly connected with the lives of ordinary citizens and the security of their families. Our government’s highest priority is to ensure that every citizen receives timely, quality treatment, essential medicines, diagnostic facilities and better medical care whenever required.”
The Chief Minister emphasised that constructing hospitals alone would not fulfil the government’s objectives unless adequate doctors, specialists, trained healthcare workers, medicines and equipment were also available.
“Along with expanding healthcare infrastructure, equal attention must be given to the quality of services and their accessibility to the last person. Existing resources must be managed effectively so that patients receive the maximum possible benefit.”
Sai instructed officials to identify healthcare institutions facing shortages of medical personnel, diagnostic facilities or equipment and address these deficiencies on priority.
Long-Term Healthcare Infrastructure Plan to Address Future Needs
Taking into account Chhattisgarh’s growing population and changing healthcare requirements, the Chief Minister directed the preparation of a comprehensive long-term infrastructure development plan.
He instructed officials to assess existing medical facilities, population distribution, geographical conditions, available resources and future healthcare needs in every district.
The findings should form the basis of a clearly defined plan for expanding hospitals and strengthening essential services.
Sai said:
“Healthcare infrastructure must be developed according to future requirements. Every district should be assessed in terms of its population, geographical conditions, existing facilities and emerging medical needs so that expansion is planned systematically.”
The Chief Minister directed officials to increase hospital bed capacity wherever necessary, expand specialist services and prioritise essential medical facilities in newly constituted districts.
He emphasised that infrastructure development must include adequate human resources, modern equipment, medicines and diagnostic services rather than being restricted to construction.
No Patient Should Suffer Due to Shortage of Medicines or Diagnostic Facilities
The Chief Minister issued clear instructions to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines at district hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres.
He said patients should not have to travel unnecessarily or move between institutions for routine investigations and treatment.
Sai emphasised:
“Essential medicines and diagnostic facilities must remain available from district hospitals to primary health centres. Patients should not face unnecessary hardship or be forced to move from one place to another for basic medical examinations and treatment.”
He also expressed concern over medical equipment remaining unused because of maintenance problems or delayed repairs.
“No important medical equipment available in a hospital should remain non-functional for long periods merely because of inadequate maintenance or delayed repairs. An effective monitoring and time-bound repair system must be established.”
Officials were instructed to strengthen accountability in the management of medical resources and ensure their effective utilisation.
The meeting also reviewed vacant posts, recruitment procedures and proposed amendments to service recruitment rules. Sai directed officials to expedite recruitment, observing that adequate staffing was essential for maintaining healthcare quality.
Dialysis Facilities Expanding; 1,045 Atal Arogya Labs Operational
Officials informed the Chief Minister that 1,045 healthcare institutions across Chhattisgarh currently operate Atal Arogya Labs.
Dialysis, trauma care, blood bank, intensive care and CT scan facilities are also being expanded.
According to information presented at the meeting, dialysis services are available at 33 locations, while 25 additional dialysis centres are being established.
Sai reviewed the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme and digital health initiatives, including e-Hospital services and Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA).
He directed officials to use technology to improve convenience for patients, strengthen healthcare administration and increase the efficiency of medical services.
Every Delivery Must Be Safe, Every Mother and Child Healthy: Sai
Maternal and child healthcare received particular attention during the review.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure regular medical examinations of pregnant women, adequate nutrition, appropriate medical care and safe institutional deliveries.
He stressed that primary and community health centres must maintain the necessary facilities for childbirth while ensuring the dignity, safety and comfort of mothers.
Sai said:
“Our effort must be to ensure that every delivery is safe and that both mother and child remain healthy. The Health Department must discharge this responsibility with complete sensitivity and commitment.”
The Chief Minister acknowledged that the state’s maternal mortality rate had declined but stressed the need for further improvement.
He directed officials to prepare targeted action plans to bring maternal and infant mortality rates closer to national averages.
The review also covered institutional deliveries, complete immunisation, vaccination among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, malaria prevention, leprosy control and tuberculosis elimination.
Alternative Transport Must Be Arranged Where Ambulances Cannot Reach
Recognising the challenges faced by residents of remote forested and geographically difficult areas, Sai directed officials to develop practical alternative transport arrangements where ambulances cannot reach villages.
He reviewed the functioning of the 108 Sanjeevani Express and 102 Mahtari Express services.
“Citizens living in remote, forested and difficult geographical areas must not be deprived of medical treatment merely because of geographical obstacles. Where ambulances cannot reach, alternative transport arrangements must be developed according to local conditions.”
The Chief Minister instructed officials to establish systems capable of safely transporting patients from villages to ambulance access points or the nearest healthcare institutions.
The meeting was informed that Chhattisgarh has 375 ambulances under the 108 Sanjeevani Express service and 380 vehicles under the 102 Mahtari Express service.
More than 219,000 beneficiaries received assistance through the Mahtari Express service between January and August 2026.
Sai directed officials to ensure the timely availability and effective operation of emergency transport services.
Families Must Not Struggle for Hearse Vehicles During Bereavement
In a significant direction reflecting the humanitarian responsibilities of public healthcare, the Chief Minister called for stronger hearse vehicle services.
He observed that losing a family member is among the most painful experiences any household can endure.
Sai said:
“Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult and painful moments for a family. At such a time, it is not appropriate for relatives to suffer additional hardship merely to arrange a vehicle for transporting the deceased.”
He directed the Health Department to ensure that hearse vehicles are available conveniently and promptly when deaths occur in hospitals.
The Chief Minister emphasised that healthcare institutions must respect the dignity and emotional circumstances of patients and their families.
Sickle Cell Screening, Genetic Counselling and Public Awareness to Be Strengthened
Reviewing programmes for the prevention, screening and treatment of sickle cell disease, Sai called for greater public awareness and expanded diagnostic and counselling services.
He emphasised that sickle cell disease is a genetic condition requiring informed public understanding and timely healthcare support.
The Chief Minister directed officials to promote awareness of voluntary premarital screening and genetic counselling.
He also instructed the department to intensify planned efforts towards the target of eliminating sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047, particularly by strengthening screening and counselling in affected regions.
Mental Health Is an Essential Part of Overall Wellbeing: Sai
Mental healthcare also formed an important component of the review.
The Chief Minister stressed that psychological wellbeing must receive attention alongside physical health and that citizens should be informed about available counselling and treatment facilities.
Sai said:
“Mental health is also an important part of a person’s overall health. There is a need to increase awareness in society about mental health problems and ensure that information about available medical facilities, counselling services and treatment reaches ordinary citizens.”
He emphasised that greater awareness would help individuals experiencing mental health difficulties seek professional assistance in time.
The meeting also reviewed Ayushman Bharat, the Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayata Yojana, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, mobile health services and the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan.
Officials reported that approximately 100,000 people had received treatment benefits under the Swasth Bastar initiative.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the full benefits of Ayushman Bharat and that awareness of healthcare schemes is strengthened in remote regions.
Six New Medical Colleges Approved as Chhattisgarh Expands Medical Education
The review also examined the expansion of medical education and the availability of qualified healthcare professionals across the state.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that Chhattisgarh currently has 22 medical institutions comprising 15 government medical colleges, one All India Institute of Medical Sciences and six private medical colleges. Six additional medical colleges have been approved.
Sai directed officials to accelerate the development of new institutions while ensuring that the expansion of medical education does not compromise teaching standards or patient care.
“The expansion of medical colleges and medical education facilities is progressing rapidly in Chhattisgarh. Equally important is ensuring quality medical education, adequate faculty, specialist doctors and modern equipment.”
He emphasised that medical colleges serve a dual responsibility: educating future healthcare professionals and providing specialised treatment to patients.
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of medical colleges under construction, faculty availability, specialist appointments and the functioning of outpatient, inpatient and diagnostic services.
He directed officials to resolve construction-related and administrative difficulties within stipulated timeframes.
Nursing Colleges Increase from Eight to 17; Physiotherapy Institutions Reach Seven
The meeting highlighted significant expansion in nursing, physiotherapy and allied health education.
According to figures presented during the review, the number of government nursing colleges has increased from eight to 17, while physiotherapy colleges have increased from one to seven.
For the first time in the state, 11 allied health courses are being introduced, with 640 seats across 10 medical colleges.
Additionally, two DM Cardiology seats have been introduced at Raipur’s Mekahara Hospital.
Sai observed that expanding these educational opportunities would increase the availability of trained doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and allied healthcare professionals.
He said strengthening the medical workforce would directly improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare throughout Chhattisgarh.
Medicine Procurement, Distribution and Equipment Maintenance Under Review
Reviewing the functioning of the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation, the Chief Minister examined medicine procurement, storage, supply and distribution arrangements.
He directed officials to ensure that essential medicines remain available at all healthcare institutions.
Sai said:
“Medicine supplies must be managed in such a manner that patients do not suffer because essential medicines are unavailable at healthcare institutions. Accountability must be ensured in the management of resources connected with health services.”
The Chief Minister also directed the establishment of effective systems for the maintenance and timely repair of medical equipment.
He reviewed the functioning of the Directorate of AYUSH and National AYUSH Mission, including institutional facilities, human resources and treatment services.
Officials were instructed to strengthen AYUSH healthcare services and improve the utilisation of existing resources.
No Compromise With Public Health: Sai Orders Strict Food Inspections During Festive Season
Food safety emerged as another major priority during the high-level review.
With the festive season approaching, the Chief Minister directed the Food and Drug Administration to intensify inspections across Chhattisgarh.
He noted that demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items increases considerably during festivals, making effective quality control particularly important.
Sai instructed officials to conduct regular inspections of food manufacturing units, storage facilities and retail establishments.
He directed strict action under applicable regulations wherever substandard or adulterated food products are detected.
The Chief Minister declared:
“No compromise of any kind with the health of ordinary citizens will be accepted. Food safety officials must discharge their responsibilities with complete vigilance and accountability.”
His instructions emphasised the need for preventive inspections and effective enforcement to protect consumers from potentially unsafe food products.
Real Success of Healthcare Schemes Lies in Reaching the Last Person
Concluding the review, Chief Minister Sai emphasised that the success of healthcare programmes should be measured by the actual benefits received by citizens rather than by infrastructure figures or administrative achievements alone.
He directed district-level authorities to conduct regular assessments of healthcare facilities, identify shortcomings and implement corrective measures according to local requirements.
Sai said:
“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.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a more accessible, responsive and quality-oriented healthcare system.
“Our endeavour is to ensure that every citizen of Chhattisgarh, whether living in a major city or a remote forest region, receives better treatment in time whenever required. No family should face hardship because of the absence of medical facilities. With this objective, the government is continuously strengthening healthcare services.”
The Chief Minister’s directions placed particular emphasis on effective implementation, administrative accountability and the humane delivery of essential medical services.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and Senior Officials Attend Review
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Health Secretary Amit Kataria, Secretary to the Chief Minister P. Dayanand, Director of Health Services Sanjeev Kumar Jha, Commissioner of Medical Education Ritesh Agrawal and Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister Prabhat Malik attended the meeting, along with senior departmental officials.
The review brought together the state’s immediate healthcare delivery priorities and its longer-term plans for medical infrastructure, professional education, disease prevention and patient welfare.
While Chief Minister Sai issued detailed directions across these areas, their effectiveness will ultimately depend on timely implementation and the availability of services at healthcare institutions throughout Chhattisgarh.
