Kumar Bahukhandi
CM Sai addressing a Denstist Conference in Raipur on Saturday September 13, 2025 -Photo Credit CG/PR
IN Short
*CM inaugurates three-day Dental Conference 2025 in Raipur
*Dentists play a vital role in preserving and protecting human smiles
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai declared that Chhattisgarh’s dream of becoming a developed state would be realised by ensuring the health of its 30 million citizens. He emphasised that in the past 20 months, his government had strengthened the state’s healthcare infrastructure and extended services to remote areas.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai being welcomed at the conference by presenting a flower bouquet -Photo Credit-CG/PR
Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Dental Conference 2025, held at a private hotel in Raipur, CM Sai said his government had prioritised healthcare from day one. On the occasion, he visited an exhibition of dental care equipment and released the annual souvenir of the Dental Association.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted that five new medical colleges had been approved, alongside institutions for physiotherapy, nursing, and mother-and-child healthcare. He said that a healthy Chhattisgarh is the foundation of a progressive Chhattisgarh.
Noting the rapid expansion of healthcare in the state, CM Sai pointed out that while Chhattisgarh had just one medical college in 2000, today the number has risen to 15. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, patients and senior citizens are receiving free treatment. Affordable generic medicines, he added, are easing the burden on ordinary families.
Touching upon serious illnesses like cancer, he warned that cases of oral cancer caused by pan masala, gutkha, and tobacco are on the rise. He stressed that dentists had a crucial role in oral care and in ensuring beautiful smiles, urging them to spearhead widespread awareness campaigns.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai (C) Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal (R) and a Doctor sitting on dais on (L) at three-day Dentist Conference being held at a private Hotel in Capital Raipur -Photo Credit-CF/PR
CM Sai turned nostalgic, recalling his parliamentary tenure in 1999 when, under then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, AIIMS Delhi was overburdened with patients from across India. He said he had raised the demand in Parliament for an AIIMS in Chhattisgarh, and with the state’s formation in 2000, Chhattisgarh was among the first six states to receive the gift of an AIIMS.
Linking state goals with national aspirations, CM Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047. In line with this, the Chhattisgarh government has prepared the ‘Chhattisgarh Vision 2047’ document, outlining 10 missions to drive the state forward.
He said the state’s GSDP currently stands at ₹5 lakh crore, with a target of reaching ₹75 lakh crore by 2047. With abundant mineral and forest wealth, hard-working farmers, and industrious citizens, he expressed confidence that the saying “Chhattisgarhiya sabse badhiya” would ring true as the state meets its 2047 goals.
Referring to recent GST reforms, CM Sai noted that tax slabs had been rationalized at 5% and 18%, simplifying business and boosting agriculture. This, he said, was a reflection of the Prime Minister’s vision to strengthen India’s economy.
Concluding his address, CM Sai remarked: “A human smile is priceless, and dentists play an indispensable role in protecting and preserving it.” He said the conference would open new possibilities in tackling oral diseases and improving treatments.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal added that the CM was personally monitoring healthcare delivery, ensuring quality services reached even Naxal-affected and remote regions. He announced the appointment of 20 specialist doctors in Bastar and celebrated Sukma’s Chintagufa Health Centre receiving the NQAS certificate.
He further noted that with five new medical colleges, the total would rise to 15, while Bilaspur would soon house a super-specialty hospital. The state is also setting up 12 new nursing colleges and five physiotherapy colleges. Special initiatives include mobile medical units in tribal-dominated areas and bike ambulance services in remote terrains. He underlined that Chhattisgarh had emerged as the leading state in offering cashless treatment facilities.
The conference was attended by Dr. Arvind Kumar, President of the Indian Dental Association Chhattisgarh, former President Dr. Rajeev Singh, Conference Chairman Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, and a large gathering of dentists from across the country.
