Chhattisgarh Unveils Major Health Sector Boost in State Budget 2024
In a significant highlight of the fourth budget presented under the current BJP government, Chhattisgarh Finance Minister Om Prakash Choudhary has announced a substantial fiscal commitment to public health. The budget earmarks over Rs 3,500 crore specifically for health insurance schemes and the development of medical infrastructure across the state.
Major Allocations for Health Insurance and National Mission
Under the Shahid Veer Narayan Singh Ayushman Bharat scheme, the state government has allocated Rs 1,500 crore. This is complemented by an additional Rs 2,000 crore set aside for the National Health Mission, underscoring a dual focus on both state-specific and national health initiatives.
First-of-its-Kind Initiatives and Infrastructure Projects
In a pioneering move for Chhattisgarh, the budget proposes the establishment of a state-run homoeopathy college in Raipur. Furthermore, it includes allocations for new district hospital buildings in Ambikapur, Dhamtari, and Chirmiri, along with a 200-bed Maternal and Child Health unit at Kalibadi in Raipur.
Expansion of Medical Education and Specialized Care
The budget outlines an ambitious plan to expand medical education by opening new medical colleges in several regions, including former Maoist strongholds:
- Dantewada
- Manendragarh
- Kabirdham
- Janjgir-Champa
- Kunkuri
Additionally, nursing colleges will be established in Kanker, Korba, Manendragarh, Sariya, and Mahasamund. To bolster tertiary care and training capacity, specialized institutions are planned:
- A state-run cancer institute in Bilaspur
- An advanced cardiac institute in Raipur
- A physiotherapy college in Rajnandgaon
- GNM training centres across the state
Focus on Rural Healthcare and Accessible Services
Prioritizing rural healthcare and access to top-line medical services, the budget includes:
- Over 25 new PHC, SHC, and CHC buildings
- 25 dialysis centres
- 50 Jan Aushadhi Kendras
- Rs 25 crore for expanding infrastructure at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital
This comprehensive budget reflects a strategic push to enhance healthcare delivery, education, and infrastructure throughout Chhattisgarh, aiming to improve public health outcomes and accessibility for all residents.
