Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressing a large gathering of medical experts and participants after inaugurating the two-day AROCON 2025 Chhattisgarh–Madhya Pradesh Chapter at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College auditorium in Raipur on Saturday September 6, 2025-Photo Credit -CG/PR
In Short
*₹65 crore hostel for students at Raipur Medical College announced
*Government focuses on expanding healthcare access to Bastar, Surguja and remote tribal regions
*AROCON 2025 to prove vital in cancer research, prevention and treatment
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday September 6 , 2025 underlined that the health of the state’s three crore people is the government’s topmost priority and assured that “financial resources will never be an obstacle in providing healthcare to the people of the state.” Chief Minister Sai was addressing a large gathering of medical experts and participants after inaugurating the two-day AROCON 2025 Chhattisgarh–Madhya Pradesh Chapter at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College auditorium in Raipur. On the occasion, he also announced the construction of a ₹65 crore hostel for students at Raipur Medical College.
Inaugural program starts with the singing of the national anthem -Photo Credit-CG/PR
CM Sai hailed the contribution of doctors and specialists in saving the lives of thousands of cancer patients. “Many patients battling cancer are receiving a new lease of life due to your efforts and modern medical practices. In the last two decades, research in the field of early detection and treatment of cancer has yielded encouraging results, raising new hopes for the future,” he said. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cancer day-care centres are being established in every district across the country, and Chhattisgarh too is moving swiftly in this direction.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurates AROCON 2025, pledges new direction in cancer research and treatment by lightening a lamp while in another photo CM Sai (C) Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh(R) and Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal (L) are seen sitting on dais -Photo Credit-CG/PR
Highlighting state-level initiatives, Chief Minister Sai said that the Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayata Yojana has enabled costly treatments for many patients in Chhattisgarh. The reduction of GST on cancer medicines and medical equipment has also brought major relief to patients.
He noted that advanced equipment for cancer treatment is being made available in state hospitals. “Today, AIIMS Raipur is launching a robotic surgery system, which proves that government hospitals are at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving to be highly useful in cancer detection, and the state government is making efforts to integrate it into healthcare services,” he added.
CM Sai further said that the government is continuously increasing the health budget and opening new medical colleges. He announced that a 5,000-bed capacity Medicity is being developed at Nava Raipur, where reputed hospitals from across the country will provide services. “To strengthen healthcare in remote areas like Bastar and Surguja, the government is exploring every possible option. New hospitals will be set up in Surguja, Dharamjaigarh and Bastar,” he informed, expressing confidence that the deliberations at AROCON 2025 would prove to be a milestone in cancer prevention and treatment.
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, in his address, welcomed doctors participating in the seventh edition of AROCON 2025 and said that bringing together specialists from diverse fields of cancer treatment on one platform will open new dimensions for tackling the disease. He emphasised that Raipur’s Mekahara Hospital is not only a major centre for Chhattisgarh but also serves patients from neighbouring states. “In the future, through advanced machines and new technologies, the hospital’s services will be further upgraded,” he said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that Raipur Medical College houses the largest cancer centre in the state, where all modern facilities are being provided. He announced that six physiotherapy colleges will soon be set up in Chhattisgarh, super-speciality hospitals will be established in Bastar and Surguja, a dedicated hospital for mental health patients will be created, and a Naturopathy College will be opened. He further added that Mekahara will see an expansion of 700 beds at a cost of ₹232 crore, along with advanced facilities such as robotic surgery and an IVF centre.
The event was also attended by MLA Purandar Mishra, Dean of Raipur Medical College Dr. Vivek Choudhary, Vice Chancellor of Ayush University Prof. P.K. Patra, specialist doctors, students and dignitaries.
