Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai outlined his vision for a developed Chhattisgarh, centered on the health and well-being of its 30 million residents. The government has been working to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and provide healthcare access in remote areas over the last two years.
At the three-day Dental Conference 2025 in Raipur, the Chief Minister inaugurated the event and toured an exhibition of dental care equipment. He also released the annual souvenir of the Dental Association.
Sai highlighted the government’s initial and ongoing emphasis on public health, including the approval of five new medical colleges and the establishment of physiotherapy, nursing, and mother-child healthcare facilities. He emphasized that a healthy Chhattisgarh is integral to the state’s progress.
He emphasized the rapid expansion of healthcare services, with 15 medical colleges established compared to one in 2000. The Ayushman Bharat and the Prime Minister’s Vaya Vandana schemes offer free treatment for patients and the elderly, with affordable generic medicines available to the public.
The Chief Minister addressed the increase in oral cancer cases due to the use of pan masala, gutkha, and tobacco, stressing the significant role of dentists in promoting dental care and healthy smiles. He encouraged the dental community to launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns.
Sharing anecdotes from his time in parliament, he recalled requesting an AIIMS for Chhattisgarh when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister. His request was later fulfilled.
He mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. The Chhattisgarh government has crafted the ‘Chhattisgarh Vision 2047’ document, outlining 10 missions to drive the state’s advancement.
Sai stated the state’s GSDP target to be ₹75 lakh crore by 2047, up from ₹5 lakh crore currently. He highlighted the state’s abundant mineral and forest resources, and the dedication of its farmers and residents. He expressed confidence in achieving the set objectives.
Regarding GST reforms, the Chief Minister noted that unifying GST slabs would benefit trade and agriculture, seeing it as evidence of the Prime Minister’s economic vision.
Concluding, Sai reiterated the significance of human smiles and the indispensable role of dentists in maintaining them. He expressed his hope that the conference would generate valuable discussions on oral diseases and treatment innovations.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal pointed out the Chief Minister’s consistent review of health services and the commitment to providing quality care to those in underserved areas. He noted the appointment of 20 specialist doctors in Bastar and the NQAS certification for the Chintagufa health center in Sukma district as examples of this progress.
With the addition of five new medical colleges, the state will have a total of 15. Furthermore, a super-specialty hospital in Bilaspur, 12 nursing colleges, and five physiotherapy colleges are being constructed. Mobile medical units and bike ambulance services are being introduced to serve tribal areas. Chhattisgarh is leading the country in providing cashless treatments.
The conference saw participation from Dr. Arvind Kumar, President of the Indian Dental Association Chhattisgarh, former President Dr. Rajiv Singh, Conference Chairman Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, and numerous dentists from various regions.