RAIPUR: Amidst the fervor of Chhattisgarh’s first-phase elections and the usual pre-poll political bickering, an unexpected spotlight has emerged on the political forefront – public health. The manifestos of both BJP and the Congress acknowledge the distress caused by the pandemic and the urgent need for better access to public health, signifying an improvement over past promises. However, the concrete plan for building essential public health infrastructure remains unclear, as doctor vacancies across the state continue to be reported unfilled. Securing access to healthcare services remains a challenge when there’s a shortage of doctors in the hospitals.

The ruling government’s campaign strategy and manifesto pledges have conspicuously placed healthcare in the limelight.

In a significant move to prioritize the well-being of its residents, the ruling Congress party in Chhattisgarh has increased free medical cover for the underprivileged from Rs 5 lakh to 10 lakh under the Dr. Khubchand Baghel Health Assistance Scheme. Even those Above Poverty Line (APL) will witness a substantial boost in support, with assistance extended to Rs 5 lakh, a remarkable increase from the previous Rs 50 thousand. Further, under the Chief Minister Special Health Assistance Scheme, free treatment has been extended to Chhattisgarh’s citizens in the event of road accidents and other accidental injuries.

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The flagship health program of the state government – Dr. Khoobchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana (DKBSSY) had been introduced to ensure health assurance coverage for 100% of Chhattisgarh’s population. Under this scheme, treatment benefits are provided to all resident families of the state, as determined by the ration cards issued by the State Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection department.

The Bhupesh Baghel government has prioritized tribal health as one of its key focus areas. In the past few years the state government has introduced a series of welfare measures to address the challenges faced by forest dwellers and tribals. To combat malnutrition, the government planned to provide nutritious food to these communities. Additionally, mobile healthcare facilities were set to be launched in weekly markets to offer medical assistance to tribals. These initiatives were intended to begin as a “pilot project” in the Bastar region, which has historically been the most Naxal-affected area in Chhattisgarh. The region’s high malnutrition levels were a key driver for these programs.

Previously, Health on Air wrote a special report highlighting the government’s dedicated efforts to combat sickle cell anemia, a pervasive health concern among the tribal communities.

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In a bid to counter the opposition’s promises of free medical coverage, the BJP has taken a significant step by raising the PM-JAY insurance limit to Rs 10 lakh from Rs 5 lakh. This move comes as part of a broader healthcare commitment, including plans to establish sickle cell screening centers in every block, issue sickle cell anemia cards to all citizens, deploy 150 mobile clinics in remote and tribal areas with tribal community volunteers for public awareness, and set up dialysis centers in every block across the state.

In its manifesto the BJP proudly spotlighted its achievements, touting the administration of 2.12 crore first-dose COVID vaccinations and 2.03 crore second-dose vaccinations. Notably, the issuance of 2.03 crore PM-JAY cards, with a significant 1.05 crore dedicated to women, took the limelight. In its manifesto the BJP is critical of the Congress for failing to tide over the deficit of ‘specialist doctors’ in government hospitals. It states, in 2019, the state had only 319 specialist doctors, a situation that has yet to see any improvement. However, the party doesn’t exactly spell out how it will resolve the issue if elected.