‘Affordability, Availability And Accessibility Of Quality Healthcare Is Our Intent'

Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure, Mission Director (NHM), Chhattisgarh, in a free-wheeling interview with Prathiba Raju speaks on the innovative measures taken by the Chhattisgarh government to improve the healthcare delivery in the naxal heartland.

- Prathiba Raju

What efforts have been taken by the Government of Chhattisgarh to improve healthcare of the state? 

Government of Chhattisgarh has taken many innovative steps towards improving the healthcare delivery system. The state government intends to improved the affordability, availability and accessibility of quality health care to every citizen of the state. Towards this direction, the state has initiated Rashtriya Swasthaya Bima Yojana (RSBY) for the unorganised workers and Mukhyamantri Swasthaya Bima Yojana (MSBY) to provide protection to every uncovered household against the risk of health spending leading to poverty. Other major steps initiated are: 

Improved the number of doctors, nurses and pharmacists are appointed in the national healthcare system to overcome shortage of medical personnel 

Developed a healthcare system which will dedicatedly work for providing medical help in less time in rural areas through mobile medical units. 

Increased healthcare spending for healthcare development. 

Regulating distribution and sales of drug public pharmacies often run out of free medications it will help to reduced health service cost. 

Developed health infrastructure. 

Arranged different health checkup campaign for free in rural areas. 

Run different program to spread awareness about NCD's and it’s awareness. 

Initiate transparency by accreditation of hospitals and healthcare providers. 

Engagement of private players and international health agencies.

Being a naxal hit area, what are the added challenges you face and how do you combat it and while you deliver healthcare to the insurgent-hit tribal areas? What steps have you taken to bridge acute shortage of doctors/nurses in the state?