Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday announced a major relief for National Health Mission (NHM) employees by declaring payment of wages for the 33-day strike period, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services across Chhattisgarh. The announcement was made during the state-level convention of the Chhattisgarh National Health Mission Employees’ Association held at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in the state capital. Addressing a large gathering of NHM employees, Sai described them as the “backbone” of the healthcare system and acknowledged their crucial role during pandemic and in delivering medical services to people living in remote and inaccessible regions of the state.

 

He said the contribution of NHM personnel in building a healthy Chhattisgarh is invaluable and assured them that the government respects and supports their work. Recalling the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Minister said NHM officers and employees worked tirelessly, risking their own lives to serve people during one of the most difficult periods in recent history. Sai highlighted that healthcare workers continue to overcome difficult terrain, often walking long distances and crossing rivers and streams to reach people in areas lacking proper roads and transport facilities. Referring to the on-going “Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan,” he said health teams are conducting village-level screenings across Bastar and have already covered nearly 90 percent of the population. Linking healthcare expansion with the changing situation in Bastar in past two and half years, Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with the efforts of security forces, Naxalism has been eradicated from the region.

 

This has opened new avenues for development and public welfare, with healthcare infrastructure emerging as a key priority. Sai also outlined the significant expansion of healthcare services in the state over the last two-and-a-half years. He said the opening of new medical colleges and the recruitment of doctors and paramedical staff have substantially strengthened the healthcare system. Reiterating the government’s support for healthcare personnel, he called upon health employees to continue serving with the same commitment and dedication to help build a developed and healthy Chhattisgarh. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that NHM employees have played a vital role in strengthening healthcare services from Jashpur to Sukma.

 

He informed that several employee demands have already been fulfilled, a transfer policy has been issued, and NHM staff will now be covered under a cashless treatment scheme. He also announced life insurance benefits, including Rs 6 lakh in case of natural death and Rs 1.40 crore for accidental death or permanent disability. Following the Chief Minister’s announcement on strike-period wages, NHM employees and association office-bearers felicitated him with a grand welcome at the convention. MLA Purandar Mishra, Chief Minister’s Advisor Dr Dhirendra Tiwari, NHM Employees’ Association President Dr Amit Kumar Miri, and a large number of health officials and employees were present on the occasion.