In a bid to enhance healthcare facilities across the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually inaugurated the CIMS Super Specialty Hospital in Bilaspur's Koni region on the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ninth Ayurveda Day. Built at a cost of Rs 200 crore, the hospital marks a milestone for the state’s healthcare system and aims to provide top-tier medical services to residents of Bilaspur and nearby areas.
The ceremony, organised at the CIMS Super Specialty Hospital, saw the presence of Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai as the chief guest. Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for a range of health projects valued at over Rs 12,850 crore across India, including the establishment of a 100-bed Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIY) in Raipur.
Addressing the event, PM Modi emphasised the government's commitment to public health as an essential aspect of national progress. “Healthier the population, the quicker the country's progress," he said, extending greetings to citizens on Dhanteras and Dhanvantari Jayanti. "This celebration of good fortune and health on the day of Dhanteras is not just a coincidence; it is a celebration of health and prosperity. People from all over the world come to India for yoga and Panchkarma, their number will increase further in the coming times," he added.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s health initiatives, which he described as a "big gift to Bilaspur in the field of health." The CM highlighted his government’s efforts in promoting health, education, and employment as part of its commitment to good governance. "Our government is working with full sensitivity on all dimensions of development," he stated.
The newly inaugurated multi-specialty hospital, spanning 11 stories and covering around 2.5 acres, is equipped with advanced medical technology including CT scans, MRI, digital X-rays, and TMT machines. With 240 beds, the hospital will offer 70 ICU and ICCU beds, eight modular operation theatres, and will initially provide outpatient services in neurology, neurosurgery, pulmonology, and general medicine. A blood bank and pathology lab are also part of its state-of-the-art infrastructure.
In his address, Deputy CM Arun Sao described the hospital as a "great gift for the people of Bilaspur on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras Diwas." Sushant Shukla, MLA, expressed confidence that the hospital’s inauguration would "set a new record in the field of health."
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Pingua, who hailed the inauguration as a “historic moment for Bilaspur." Pingua’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to expanding quality health facilities in undeserved areas, a goal rooted in the Swasthya Suraksha Yojana initiated in 2003 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Following the ceremony, CM Sai toured the new hospital's facilities, inspecting the CT scan rooms, X-ray units, blood bank, and pathology lab. In addition, he distributed essential health equipment and certificates under the National Quality Supervisory Committee’s (NQAS) standards to various health centres across the district. Among the distributed items were motorised tricycles, bike ambulances for remote areas, Ayushman cards, and sickle cards to 37 beneficiaries. Seven district health centres, including three primary health centres, received NQAS certification to reinforce quality healthcare standards.
The inauguration witnessed the participation of notable officials, including Takhatpur MLA Dharmjit Singh, Bilha MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, Bilaspur MLA Amar Agrawal, Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla, Kota MLA Atal Shrivastava, Masturi MLA Dilip Lahariya, and District Panchayat Chairman Arun Chauhan, alongside other public representatives, officials, and community members.