Health and Health Infrastructure in the State of Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Vision of Health Department in Chhattisgarh

• Health, as per the definition by the World Health Organization, encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being, going beyond mere absence of disease. 
• This perspective was reinforced by the Alma-Ata Declaration in 1978, which emphasized health as a fundamental human right. The Alma-Ata conference marked a pivotal moment, shifting focus towards equitable and cost-effective primary health care, making health a key national priority across many countries.
• The Honorable Chief Minister plays a pivotal role in overseeing the public health system of Chhattisgarh. The Department of Health & Family Welfare operates under the jurisdiction of the State Health Minister, with executive decisions flowing through the Chief Secretary and Secretary Health. The Health Secretary directly supervises five main directors.
• Among these directors, the Director of the State Health Resource Center (SHRC) provides technical support to the Department of Health and Family Welfare. The Mission Director of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) holds authority over mission-related tasks. The Director of AYUSH focuses on strategic planning for traditional Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
• Additionally, the Director of Health & Family Welfare oversees state health and family welfare programs, while the Director of Health Services manages administrative and operational issues within the Directorate. The Director of Medical Education and Training is responsible for medical educational activities.
• The SHRC actively engages in initiatives like the Mitanin (Community Health Volunteers) Programme and Mitanin Kalyankari Kosh, supporting health sector reforms where necessary. The directors receive support from Joint Directors and Deputy Directors to ensure effective functioning of the health systems.

Vision of Health Department in Chhattisgarh

• Ensuring Comprehensive Health Care: The goal is to provide individual health care, public health services, clean drinking water, sanitation, access to nutritious food, and education on hygiene and healthy eating habits. For instance, implementing programs that educate communities on the importance of sanitation and ensuring clean water sources.
• Transforming Public Health Care: The aim is to evolve public health services into a more accountable, accessible, and cost-effective system. This could involve initiatives like setting up mobile health clinics in remote areas to improve access to healthcare services.
• Enhancing Health Systems: Developing systems that enhance the overall health infrastructure to meet the diverse health needs and expectations of the population. For example, upgrading medical facilities in rural areas to provide better healthcare access.
• Providing Quality Care for the Underprivileged: Ensuring quality healthcare services for individuals living below the poverty line. This might involve subsidizing healthcare costs or providing free medical treatment to those in need.
• Reducing Health Disparities: Working towards minimizing health inequalities among citizens across different regions by ensuring affordable healthcare for all. This could involve initiatives like setting up health camps in underserved areas.
• Ensuring Good Governance and Transparency: Implementing effective governance practices and ensuring transparency in healthcare service delivery, with the active participation of local governing bodies, community groups, and civil society organizations.
• Improving Infrastructure: Undertaking infrastructural improvements in the healthcare systems to implement policies that strengthen public health management. For instance, upgrading medical equipment and facilities in hospitals.
• Reducing Child and Maternal Mortality: Implementing programs aimed at reducing the number of child and maternal deaths through improved healthcare services and education. For example, offering prenatal care and vaccination programs for infants.
• Ensuring Access to Public Services: Providing universal access to essential services such as food, nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene. This could involve initiatives like community kitchens for nutritious meals and sanitation awareness programs.
• Integrated Primary Health Care: Offering comprehensive primary healthcare services with a focus on women's and children's health issues. This may include maternal health clinics and pediatric care centers.
• Disease Prevention and Control: Implementing strategies to prevent and control both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including locally endemic diseases. For example, conducting vaccination drives and awareness campaigns on disease prevention.
• Addressing Demographic Factors: Stabilizing population growth rate and promoting gender equality to achieve a balanced society. This could involve family planning initiatives and gender equality awareness programs.
• Promoting Traditional and AYUSH Healthcare: Reviving local health traditions and integrating alternative medicine practices like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy into mainstream healthcare services. For instance, establishing Ayurvedic clinics in rural areas.
• Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles: Promoting healthy habits and lifestyles to ensure individuals maintain optimal health. This could involve organizing fitness programs and nutrition workshops in communities.

Health Infrastructure in the State of Chhattisgarh

Available facilities in some Major Hospitals in the State