Speaking at the inauguration of the 3-day Dental Conference 2025 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the government’s commitment to the well-being of the state’s 3 crore citizens while striving to realize the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh. He highlighted the significant strengthening of the state’s healthcare infrastructure and the expansion of health services to remote areas over the past 20 months. The Chief Minister addressed the conference held at a hotel in Raipur, where he also viewed an exhibition of dental equipment and unveiled the annual souvenir of the Dental Association.
Chief Minister Sai stated that healthcare has been the top priority since the government’s first day in office. Approvals have been granted for five new medical colleges, and institutions such as physiotherapy, nursing, and mother-child hospitals are being established. He noted the rapid expansion of health services, with the number of medical colleges increasing from one in 2000 to 15 today. He mentioned the free treatment provided to poor patients through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the Prime Minister’s Vaya Vandana Yojana, in addition to the relief provided by affordable generic medicines. He also addressed the rise in oral cancer cases due to the consumption of pan masala, gutkha, and tobacco, stressing the crucial role of dentists in providing dental care and promoting healthy smiles.
Discussing the establishment of AIIMS in Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister recalled the pressure on AIIMS Delhi in 1999 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister. He mentioned the request made in Parliament to establish AIIMS in Chhattisgarh, which was realized with the state’s formation in 2000. Chhattisgarh was among the six states that received AIIMS in the first phase. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 was also highlighted, and the Chhattisgarh BJP government has prepared the Chhattisgarh Vision 2047 document, setting a goal to advance the state through 10 missions. The target is to increase Chhattisgarh’s GSDP from approximately 5 lakh crore rupees to 75 lakh crore rupees by 2047.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal mentioned that CM Sai continuously reviews health services, ensuring quality facilities reach even the Naxal-affected and remote areas. He noted the appointment of 20 expert doctors in Bastar and the NQAS certification for the Chintagufa health center in Sukma district. Mobile medical units are being launched in tribal-dominated areas, along with bike ambulance services in difficult terrains. Chhattisgarh has also become the leading state in the country for providing cashless treatment facilities. The Dental Conference was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Arvind Kumar, the head of the Indian Dental Association Chhattisgarh, former President Dr. Rajiv Singh, and Conference Chairman Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, along with a large number of dentists from across the country.
