Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh, prioritizing the well-being of its 3 crore residents. His government has focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and extending medical services to remote areas over the past two years.
Speaking at the three-day Dental Conference 2025 held in Raipur, Chief Minister Sai inaugurated the event and toured an exhibition of dental equipment. He also launched the Dental Association’s annual souvenir.
Sai emphasized that his government has prioritized the health of the people from day one. He highlighted the approval of five new medical colleges and the establishment of institutions for physiotherapy, nursing, and mother-child healthcare. He emphasized the importance of a healthy state and its progress.
He pointed out the expansion of healthcare services since 2000, when only one medical college existed, while today there are 15. The Ayushman Bharat and the Prime Minister Vaya Vandana schemes offer free treatment for patients and the elderly, along with affordable generic medicines.
The Chief Minister addressed serious health issues such as cancer, highlighting that oral cancer cases are rising due to the consumption of pan masala, gutkha, and tobacco. He recognized the vital role of dentists in providing dental care and promoting healthy smiles. He urged dentists to launch extensive awareness campaigns.
Sharing memories of his parliamentary tenure, he mentioned how he requested the establishment of AIIMS in Chhattisgarh when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. This request was later fulfilled, which was a significant achievement.
He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to make India a developed nation by 2047. In line with this vision, the Chhattisgarh government has prepared the ‘Chhattisgarh Vision 2047’ document with a focus on 10 missions to advance the state.
Sai stated the GSDP target is to increase from ₹5 lakh crore to ₹75 lakh crore by 2047. He acknowledged the state’s rich mineral and forest resources, and hardworking farmers as its core strengths. He expressed his faith in achieving the set goals.
He discussed GST reforms, and how unifying GST slabs will benefit trade and agriculture. He sees this as reflecting the Prime Minister’s economic foresight.
Sai concluded by emphasizing the importance of human smiles and the crucial role of dentists in preserving them. He hoped the conference would lead to new insights on oral diseases and treatments.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal noted the Chief Minister’s continuous reviews of health services and the efforts to deliver quality care, even in remote areas. He mentioned the appointment of 20 specialist doctors in Bastar and the NQAS certification for the health center in Sukma district.
With the five new medical colleges, there will be a total of 15 medical colleges in the state. Moreover, a super-specialty hospital in Bilaspur, 12 new nursing colleges, and five physiotherapy colleges are under construction. Mobile medical units and bike ambulances are being launched for special backward tribal areas. Chhattisgarh is leading in providing cashless treatment.
The conference was attended by the President of the Indian Dental Association Chhattisgarh, Dr. Arvind Kumar, former President Dr. Rajiv Singh, and Conference Chairman Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, along with many other dentists from all over India.