Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel virtually participated in the inauguration ceremony of the 'Rajmata Shrimati Devendra Kumari Singh Deo Government Medical College' in Surguja district.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the Chief Minister was unable to attend the event in person but addressed the people present at the venue through video conferencing. He expressed his regret at not being able to visit the venue. The medical college was inaugurated in response to the sentiments and demands of the people of Surguja. Baghel reminisced about the love, affection, and care they all received from Rajmata Ji during their interactions.

The Chief Minister highlighted the government's efforts to improve healthcare services, generate employment opportunities, and improve the agricultural sector in Surguja, aiming to uplift the standard of living of the people residing in forest areas. He expressed confidence in receiving the blessings of the locals for the state government’s endeavours.

Chief Minister Baghel shared that today is a momentous day for the people of Surguja as the inauguration of 'Rajmata Shrimati Devendra Kumari Singhdev Government Medical College' fills the air with joy. The project, encompassing the medical college building, hospital, and residential complex, has been accomplished at a total cost of Rs 374 crore.

Notably, this medical college stands out for its focus on developing the skills and competencies of medical students, featuring a state-of-the-art skill lab and specialised facilities for testing and treating hearing impairments. Mata Rajmohini Devi Memorial Hospital, affiliated with the college, boasts various departments such as Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Anaesthesia, and Ophthalmology.

The hospital will also provide a wide range of advanced diagnostic facilities. Additionally, the new college building will consist of eight departments, including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, and Pharmacology. The completion of this project, equipped with modern facilities, will bring immense benefits to the entire Surguja division.

In his address, Chief Minister Baghel emphasized the significance of the Surguja division, which is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities. For centuries, the people of this area have been deprived of basic facilities and rights. However, through the state government's efforts, the improved facilities of medicine and education are now reaching the tribal areas of the state.

The Chief Minister highlighted several healthcare initiatives launched by the government, such as the ‘Mukhyamantri Haat-Bazar Clinic Yojana’, which aims to provide health facilities to remote areas. Additionally, the ‘Mukhyamantri Slum Swasthya Yojana’ and ‘Dai-Didi Clinic Yojana’ were initiated to ensure medical facilities for impoverished individuals and women residing in urban slums.

However, the government's vision extends beyond mere facilitating convenience for the people; the government is striving to establish access for impoverished individuals and women to state-of-the-art, high-quality facilities.

The Chief Minister shared that the state government has a larger goal to develop a robust infrastructure in the fields of medicine and education that will give a new identity to Chhattisgarh on the international map. He shared that significant steps have been taken to open eight new government medical colleges in the state, with four already established and four in progress.

The state government has equipped government hospitals at the block and district levels with the necessary facilities and implemented several measures to address the shortage of doctors and medical staff.

Tribute to Deputy Chief Minister’s late mother

Deputy Chief Minister T. S. Singh Deo, with deep sentiment, paid tribute to his late mother during the inauguration of the ‘Rajmata Shrimati Devendra Kumari Singh Deo Government Medical College’. He shared that the medical college is dedicated to her. In a previous session at the Vidhansabha, the Chief Minister had announced that the Ambikapur Medical College would be named after Mataji (Rajmata Shrimati Devendra Kumari Singh Deo), and this event marked the realisation of that promise.

Singh Deo fondly remembered his mother as not just a mother to him but as a figure who cared deeply for the entire Surguja region. She held immense affection and love for Surguja and would passionately take up any cause for the region's welfare, even approaching the Chief Minister for the smallest tasks. The decision taken by the Chief Minister Baghel to name this significant medical institution after Mataji’s name has brought pride to everyone present.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Government of Chhattisgarh for bestowing such an honour on his beloved mother. He acknowledged that this was the first unit established in Surguja in the name of his parents, who had selflessly served the region without seeking recognition.

The medical college stands out for its superior facilities compared to other colleges in the state, offering students a conducive learning environment and, upon graduation, contributing their services as doctors within the state.

Medical college equipped with many facilities

The newly constructed complex, with a total cost of Rs 374.08 crore, comprises various parts such as the college building (Rs 54.26 crore), hospital building (Rs 120.73 crore), auditorium, hostel, staff quarters, and the Dean's residence. This establishment marks the sixth medical college in the state, serving as a significant addition to the healthcare infrastructure.

A notable feature of this medical college is the emphasis on developing the skills and competencies of medical students. It houses a spacious skills lab and specialised facilities for testing and treating hearing impairments, ensuring comprehensive training opportunities.

The college building will accommodate a total of seven departments, including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, and Pharmacology. Each department will offer specialised training to students, providing them with a conducive learning environment.

Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo, Advisor to Chief Minister Rajesh Tiwari, Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, Parliamentary Secretary Chintamani Maharaj, and various public representatives were present at the venue.