During the inauguration of the 2025 Dental Conference in Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai discussed the government’s initiatives to enhance healthcare access and quality for the 3 crore residents of Chhattisgarh, while also pursuing the goal of a developed state. He pointed out the considerable progress made in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and extending health services to underserved areas during the past 20 months. The Chief Minister’s speech took place at a hotel in Raipur, where he also inspected an exhibition of dental care equipment and launched the annual Dental Association souvenir.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the importance of affordable healthcare, stating that the government has prioritized the health of citizens from the beginning. This includes the approval of five new medical colleges and the establishment of institutions focusing on physiotherapy, nursing, and mother-child care. He mentioned the rapid expansion of health services in the state, noting the growth in the number of medical colleges from one in 2000 to 15 currently. He also discussed the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the Prime Minister’s Vaya Vandana Yojana, which provide free treatment to poor patients and senior citizens, and the relief provided by generic medicines.
Addressing the issue of oral cancer, the Chief Minister discussed the increase in cases linked to the consumption of substances like pan masala, gutkha, and tobacco. He emphasized the critical role of dentists in dental care and promoting oral health awareness. The establishment of AIIMS in Chhattisgarh, a project initiated during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was also discussed. The state was among the first to receive AIIMS. He also talked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a developed nation by 2047. The Chhattisgarh government has designed the Chhattisgarh Vision 2047 document, with 10 missions to drive progress.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal mentioned the continuous review of health services by Chief Minister Sai. He highlighted the efforts to provide quality healthcare to Naxal-affected and remote areas. The appointment of 20 expert doctors in Bastar and the NQAS certification for the Chintagufa health center in Sukma district were also noted. Mobile medical units and bike ambulance services are being launched in tribal-dominated and difficult-to-reach areas. Chhattisgarh has also become the leading state in the country in providing cashless treatment facilities. Prominent dentists from across the country attended the Dental Conference.