Over the last two years, Chhattisgarh has undertaken a steady recalibration of its public health system, with emphasis on primary care, workforce augmentation, and disease prevention. Moving beyond crisis-driven responses, the State has sought to strengthen institutions and expand access in underserved regions. In this interview, Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal spoke with Shishir Roy Chowdhury about how these reforms, particularly at the grassroots level, are shaping long-term health outcomes in the state.
Q: What has guided health sector reforms in Chhattisgarh over the last two years?
A: The central objective has been to shift from a reactive model of healthcare to a preventive and systems- oriented approach. Strengthening institutions, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring continuity of care have been key priorities. A resilient public health system can only be built through consistent investment in primary care, especially in regions that have historically remained underserved.
Q: How has the State addressed long-standing human resource gaps in healthcare?
A: Human resources are fundamental to healthcare delivery. Recruitment has therefore been prioritised across medical, nursing and paramedical cadres, with additional appointments currently underway. The introduction of regular online recruitment for specialist doctors has also improved transparency and reduced delays. Q: What role has infrastructure expansion played in improving service delivery? A: Infrastructure development has been guided by the need for regional balance. New district hospitals, civil hospitals, mental health facilities, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) hospitals and primary health centres have been sanctioned across the State. At the same time, public health laboratories are being strengthened to enhance diagnostic capacity and disease surveillance.
Q: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are increasingly central to primary healthcare. How are they being strengthened?
A: The strengthening of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs is aligned with the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to build a healthier Chhattisgarh through robust primary healthcare. The fo c us is on comprehensive services that integrate prevention, wellness, and treatment at the community level. Large-scale health and wellness camps and expanded screening and telemedicine services have improved access, particularly in remote and tribal areas. As an administrative step, the renewed strengthening programme has been initiated from Jangla village of Bijapur, underscoring the commitment to extend healthcare reforms to the most remote and vulnerable populations. Q: How is the State responding to the rise in non-communicable diseases? A: Early detection is crucial. Large-scale screening for hypertension, diabetes and cancer has been under taken, enabling timely intervention and helping reduce long-term complications and financial strain on families and the healthcare system.
Q: Maternal and child health outcomes are often seen as indicators of system strength. What progress has been made?
A: Maternal and child health remains a core priority. Immunisation coverage has crossed 94 per cent, and targeted health and nutrition support has been extended to thousands of malnourished children. These outcomes reflect sustained frontline engagement, supported by strengthened primary healthcare platforms such as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Q: What has been the approach towards communicable diseases like TB and malaria?
A: The focus has been on early detection, treatment completion, and community participation. TB treatment success rates have improved, several gram panchayats have been declared TB-free, and malaria positivity has declined sharply due to sustained elimination efforts. Extensive screening has been carried out in tribal regions, with identified patients linked to continuous medical care. The emphasis is on long-term disease management rather than isolated interventions.
Q: What are the department’s priorities going forward?
A: The next phase will focus on quality certification of health institutions, strengthening public health laboratories, expanding digital health services, and reinforcing preventive healthcare. The aim is to ensure that the system remains resilient and responsive across both routine and emergency situations. Sustained investment in primary healthcare, particularly in remote and tribal regions, is essential to ensuring that improvements in access translate into lasting public health outcomes.