- In the fight against cancer, it is crucial to reassure the patient that they are not alone: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
- A 5,000-bed ‘Medicity’ is being developed over 100 acres in Naya Raipur; it will become a major hub for modern healthcare services: Chief Minister Shri Sai
- Chief Minister inaugurates the 4th BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave-2026
- Over 200 national and 11 international experts are participating in the conclave, which is themed ‘Restoring Balance to Cancer Care’
- Treatment assistance of up to ₹5 lakh is available under Ayushman Bharat, and up to ₹25 lakh under the Chief Minister’s Special Health Assistance Scheme
- Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan’ (Chief Minister’s Healthy Bastar Campaign), approximately 34 lakh people have been screened, and nearly 40,000 individuals were linked to treatment after being diagnosed with a disease
- A systematic database of cancer patients will be created, and HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer will be accelerated in ‘mission mode’: Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal
The fight against cancer is not limited merely to treating the disease. Alongside providing modern and effective treatment, it is equally essential to maintain the patient’s morale and reassure them that they are not alone in this difficult battle. A compassionate attitude from doctors and emotional support from family and society boost the patient’s courage to fight the illness. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated this while addressing the inauguration of the 4th BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave-2026, organized by Balco Medical Centre at Mayfair, Naya Raipur.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai remarked that cancer is currently one of the most serious health challenges facing the entire world. The mere mention of cancer engulfs the patient and their entire family in anxiety and uncertainty. The impact of the disease is not confined to the patient’s body alone; it also affects their mental, familial, and financial circumstances. Therefore, adopting a holistic approach to cancer treatment is essential. He stated that when doctors connect with patients through empathy and sensitivity, they do not merely treat the illness; they also become a source of trust and courage for the patient and their family. Alongside advancements in medical science, this element of human compassion further strengthens the fight against cancer.
- Timely detection increases the chances of effective treatment
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that timely detection is one of the most crucial aspects of the fight against cancer. Detecting cancer at an early stage significantly improves the prospects for effective treatment. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has also prioritized timely screening and prevention for serious ailments, including cancer.
Chief Minister Shri Sai urged the experts present at the conclave to deliberate on modern technologies, research, and effective measures that could facilitate early cancer detection and make treatment more affordable, accessible, and within reach of the common people. He noted that such conclaves serve as vital platforms for sharing experiences, research, and innovations within the medical community. The discussions held here will help shape the direction of future health policies and treatment protocols.
- Health infrastructure steadily strengthening in the state
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is continuously working to expand healthcare services and extend modern medical facilities to the most marginalized sections of society. At the time of Chhattisgarh’s formation, there was only one medical college in the state; today, the combined number of government and private medical colleges has risen to 15. Furthermore, work is underway to establish five additional medical colleges.
He mentioned that special emphasis is being placed on developing the necessary expertise, modern equipment, and infrastructure within these medical institutions to treat serious illnesses, including cancer. The government aims to ensure that the people of the state do not have to travel far for the treatment of serious diseases and can access quality medical care within the state itself.
- Financial constraints should not hinder treatment
The Chief Minister observed that the anxiety regarding treatment costs during a serious illness exacerbates the family’s distress. The government is committed to ensuring that financial hardship does not become an obstacle to treatment for those in need. The Ayushman Bharat scheme has facilitated access to quality healthcare services for poor and needy families. Eligible families are receiving medical treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh under the scheme.
He stated that medical assistance of up to ₹25 lakh is being provided to needy patients through the state government’s ‘Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayata Yojana’ (Chief Minister’s Special Health Assistance Scheme). The objective of these schemes is to empower families to focus on the patient’s health and treatment during times of illness, rather than worrying about financial burdens.
- Better healthcare services reaching remote areas like Bastar
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is making special efforts to deliver quality healthcare facilities to geographically challenging regions like Bastar. Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan’ (Chief Minister’s Healthy Bastar Campaign), health screenings have been conducted for approximately 34 lakh people. Among them, around 40,000 individuals were diagnosed with various ailments and linked to appropriate medical treatment.
He noted that the objective of this comprehensive screening is to detect diseases at an early stage……is to identify the condition early and provide timely treatment to the patient. Health services are being expanded in Surguja and other regions of the state to facilitate the detection and treatment of serious ailments, including cancer.
- 5,000-Bed Medicity Taking Shape in Naya Raipur
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that a Medicity with a capacity of 5,000 beds is being developed across approximately 100 acres in Naya Raipur, aiming to establish Chhattisgarh as a major hub for modern medical services. This project will prove to be a significant step towards expanding specialized and super-specialty medical facilities within the state.
He added that the development of the Medicity would increase the availability of state-of-the-art medical facilities for the people of the state and provide a significant boost to Chhattisgarh’s healthcare sector.
- Healthy Citizens: The Strongest Foundation for a Developed Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that healthy citizens form the strongest foundation for a developed Chhattisgarh. The state has prepared its vision document keeping the goals for the year 2047 in mind. Chhattisgarh can make an effective contribution to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) only when every citizen of the state is healthy and empowered.
He emphasized the crucial role played by doctors, researchers, and health experts in achieving this goal. Society holds doctors in high esteem because they save lives and restore health, often working under challenging circumstances.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the 4th BMC Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave would pave the way for useful insights and new possibilities in the fields of cancer prevention, timely screening, research, and modern treatment. The experiences and innovations shared here by experts from across the country and the world will provide a new direction and strength to the collective efforts against cancer in Chhattisgarh.
- Systematic Database of Cancer Patients to be Created: Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal
Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal stated that the 4th Chhattisgarh Cancer Conclave represents a significant opportunity for the state’s healthcare sector. The gathering of cancer experts from across the nation and the globe on a single platform to share experiences regarding prevention, screening, research, and modern treatment methods will help make the state’s health services even more effective. He stated that the Balco Medical Centre, in collaboration with the Health Department, has organized over 500 health camps across the state. These camps have served to raise awareness about cancer and encourage people to undergo timely screenings.
Health Minister Mr. Jaiswal noted that the state government is continuously expanding the scope of screening for the early detection of cancer. A decision has been made to make cancer a notifiable disease in the state. This will facilitate the creation of a systematic database of cancer patients and enable better management of their treatment and health-related information.
He added that HPV vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer is also being promoted in ‘mission mode.’ The state government aims to ensure—through screening and preventive measures—that the disease is detected at an early stage and patients receive necessary treatment in time.
At this conclave, held under the theme ‘Restoring Balance to Cancer Care,’ renowned doctors, oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts from India and abroad are deliberating on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research, and medical innovations. More than 200 national and 11 international experts are participating in the event. This year, special emphasis is being placed on discussions regarding gynecological cancers and prostate cancer.
- Chief Minister Familiarizes Himself with Innovative Cancer Detection and Treatment Technologies
During the conclave, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai visited various stalls showcasing the latest technologies for cancer awareness, early detection, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the Cervical Cancer Elimination Project.
The Chief Minister sought detailed information from expert doctors and delegates regarding the functioning of modern technologies, their utility in the timely detection of cancer, and new research and innovations in the field of treatment. He also discussed emerging possibilities in cancer diagnosis and treatment with the experts. Chief Minister Mr. Sai specifically inquired about how the early detection of cancer could be made more effective through modern technology and innovations, and how these facilities could be made more easily accessible to the state’s citizens, particularly those living in remote areas.
Specialist doctors, researchers, and representatives from the health sector—both from within the country and abroad—were present on this occasion, including Dr. Bhavna Sirohi (Director, Balco Medical Centre), Dr. Vivek Chaudhary (Dean, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur), Dr. Susanna Stanway (Representative, e-Cancer), and Vice Admiral Arti Sarin.