Tribal people living in the hinterlands of Bastar region will have access to medical facility at the weekly market, announced Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel here on Tuesday.

Apart from medical facility in weekly market, for combating malnutrition in Bastar, nutritious food will be provided through Panchayats and women self-help groups (SHGs), he said.

The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing a programme organised by ‘Hardiya Sahu’ community held here at Mahadev Ghat. Pilot projects for these schemes will be soon launched in Bastar, he said.

“Bastar regions has the highest malnutrition level across Chhattisgarh. We have inherited this problem and are committed to completely eradicate it,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the gathering.

He informed people that through Gram Panchayats and women SHGs local people will be provided nutritious food as per their likings. In coming one week a pilot project will be launched in few Panchayats and in coming one month, rest of the districts will we covered, he said. 

According to the Chief Minister, tribal people living in forest-mineral rich Bastar region do not have access to health services.

“Bastar and Dantewada collectors have been directed to sent medical teams consisting of a doctor, mobile pathology unit, portable X-Ray unit and necessary medicines at the weekly markets,” the Chief Minister said while quickly adding the pilot project for this scheme will also begin in one week time.

As per the Chief Minister within one month the system will be replicated in other districts of the Bastar region.

It will be made sure that medical teams compulsorily visit all weekly markets. He hoped that it will benefit large numbers of people living in the forested region.