In a remarkable achievement for one of Chhattisgarh's most inaccessible tribal belts, Narayanpur district has become the first in the Bastar division to complete 100% health screening. The milestone was reached under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan, a state-level health campaign executed in mission mode.
Campaign Overview
The campaign not only met its target but slightly exceeded it, screening 1,58,651 individuals against a projected 1,58,303, achieving a coverage of 100.22%. This success was made possible through coordinated efforts from health department teams, Mitanins, anganwadi workers, and field-level administrative staff.
Innovative Approach
Instead of limiting screenings to hospitals and primary health centres, medical teams travelled village to village, organising camps in remote settlements, chaupals, and weekly haat markets. Collector Namrata Jain highlighted that teams navigated hilly terrain, forest routes, and river crossings to ensure no habitation was left uncovered.
Health Outcomes
The intensive screening drive led to early detection of several serious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, and sickle cell disease. Authorities confirmed that suspected patients were immediately linked to treatment, while 905 individuals requiring advanced care were referred to higher medical institutions.
Significance
The campaign aimed to improve access to healthcare services in remote and forest regions of Bastar, where geographical isolation often delays diagnosis and treatment. The achievement underscores the dedication of health workers who undertook difficult treks through dense forests, crossed streams, and walked into remote hamlets with medicine kits.
