Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday inaugurated newly-completed works worth nearly Rs 7 crore in Maharani Hospital in Jagdalpur and promised such health facilities in Bastar that the district will become a medical hub for people from everywhere.
Addressing the event via video conferencing from Raipur, Baghel said that presently people in Bastar have to travel elsewhere for medical treatment. His government is making consistent efforts to provide the best possible health facilities in Bastar.
He said that people in Bastar have an emotional link with Maharani Hospital, which will soon become a well-equipped hospital of the region. He underlined that doctors should be available in Bastar.
The Chief Minister inaugurated renovation works done in Kadimbini Maternal Health Institution costing Rs 1 crore, and a pathology lab, blood bank and dialysis equipment in Maharani Hospital. He also did foundation laying ceremony for renovation in the eye ward.
According to an official statement, Baghel inaugurated and performed 'Bhoomi Pujan' of 61 construction works worth nearly Rs 244 crore including roads and bridges as well as development of education and sports infrastructure.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched processed products such as Bastar Coffee, Bastar Cashew and Bastar Turmeric.
He called for better management to eradicate malaria and prevent vomiting and diarrhea. He congratulated the district administration for its campaign against malaria and malnutrition. For the first time in Bastar, NIC had direct interaction with villagers through video conferencing.
He asked the Volunteers of Yuvodaya and the district administration to plant fruit trees suitable for the climate of Bastar.
As part of the Indravati River River Plantation Programme, 50,000th tree plantation was done in the name of Baghel in Tiratha Gram Panchayat.
Baghel expressed joy that the climate of Bastar's Dillmili and Darbha region is favourable for coffee farming. Farmers are engaged in coffee production in 20 acres.
The Chief Minister released the logo of the Amcho Bastar campaign, under which plantation and processing of minor forest produce are being done.
Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo, Forest Minister Mohammad Akbar and Minister of Industry Kavasi Lakhma also addressed the programme. School Education Minister Dr. Premasai Singh Tekam, the Minister in charge of Bastar, joined the event from Surajpur -- all through video conferencing.