Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai declared the commitment to realizing a developed Chhattisgarh, prioritizing the health of the state’s 3 crore citizens. The government has been working to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and extend services to remote areas over the past 20 months.
Addressing the three-day Dental Conference 2025 in Raipur, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of dental care and observed an exhibition of related equipment. He also released the annual souvenir of the Dental Association.
Sai highlighted the government’s focus on health since its inception, including the approval of five new medical colleges and the establishment of institutions for physiotherapy, nursing, and mother-child healthcare. He stressed the importance of a healthy and progressive Chhattisgarh.
He noted the rapid expansion of healthcare services, with 15 medical colleges now established compared to just one in 2000. The Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Prime Minister’s Vaya Vandana Yojana provide free treatment to patients and the elderly, while affordable generic medicines offer relief to the general public.
The Chief Minister addressed the rise in oral cancer cases due to the consumption of pan masala, gutkha, and tobacco, emphasizing the crucial role of dentists in promoting dental care and healthy smiles. He urged them to launch extensive public awareness campaigns.
Sharing memories of his parliamentary tenure, he recalled the pressure on AIIMS Delhi during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s prime ministership. He requested the establishment of AIIMS in Chhattisgarh, and it was granted with the first installment of funds, marking a historic achievement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a developed nation by 2047 was referenced. The Chhattisgarh government has prepared the ‘Chhattisgarh Vision 2047’ document and set a goal of advancing the state through 10 missions.
Sai stated the current GSDP of the state is ₹5 lakh crore, with a target of reaching ₹75 lakh crore by 2047. He acknowledged the state’s rich mineral and forest resources, hardworking farmers, and dedicated people as its true strength. He expressed confidence in achieving the goals by 2047.
Regarding GST reforms, the Chief Minister noted the recent unification of GST slabs to 5% and 18%, which will benefit trade, agriculture, and simplify business activities. This reflects the Prime Minister’s foresight in strengthening India economically.
Concluding, Sai reiterated the importance of a human smile and the significant role of dentists in preserving it. He mentioned that the conference would facilitate in-depth discussions on oral diseases and explore new treatment possibilities.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal mentioned the continuous review of health services by the Chief Minister and the efforts to provide quality facilities to Naxal-affected and remote areas. He noted the appointment of 20 specialist doctors in Bastar and the NQAS certificate received by the Chintagufa health center in Sukma district.
He added that with the approval of five new medical colleges, there will be a total of 15. Additionally, a super-specialty hospital in Bilaspur, 12 new nursing colleges, and five physiotherapy colleges are being established. Mobile medical units are being launched in special backward tribal areas and bike ambulance services are being initiated for remote areas. Chhattisgarh has become the state with the highest number of cashless treatment facilities in the country.
The conference was attended by Dr. Arvind Kumar, President of the Indian Dental Association Chhattisgarh, former President Dr. Rajiv Singh, Conference Chairman Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, and a large number of dentists from across the country.
