Chhattisgarh Frontrunner In ICT-enabled Healthcare Initiatives

To transform healthcare ecosystem, the Government of Chhattisgarh is actively introducing the ICT-enabled Healthcare Initiatives. Its Mitanin Programme later turned ASHA for the Government of India, says Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Government of Chhattisgarh, in conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

Q How would you describe the healthcare scenario in Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarh is relatively a new State, as it came into existence 17 years ago only. We have improved a lot on various healthcare indicators. This can be felt easily if someone compares State’s existing facilities with the past. It is a kind of big jump.

This is due to people-friendly policies of the State Government and the kind of importance it is giving to the healthcare sector. We are spending almost 5.75 per cent of the State budget on healthcare and fund utilisation is almost 90 per cent. We have robust system in place with which we ensure delivery of health indicators on time.

Q What are the healthcare initiatives which have benefitted people of the State the most?

Most of the healthcare initiatives that Chhattisgarh Government adopted later became national initiative.

For example, the Chhattisgarh Government started Mitanin Programme which later became ASHA for the Government of India. Even the concept of NHRC was started by the State Government.

Similarly, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) was also adopted by the Government of India. We have many achievements to our credit in healthcare sector.

Q What are some of the upcoming projects of the State Government to cater to people related to healthcare ecosystem?

We are facing one of the biggest problems of anemia amongst pregnant women. Containing the disease is one of the biggest challenges for the State Government. We have started extensive awareness programme and trying to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women.