Raipur. In a major healthcare relief for the poor, the Chhattisgarh government has announced free CT scan and MRI testing facilities for BPL (Below Poverty Line) patients visiting the OPD at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Smriti Chikitsalaya, Raipur. The decision comes after Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal took suo motu cognizance of the difficulties faced by patients under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in availing these essential diagnostic tests.
Health Minister’s Directive for Free Medical Tests
Taking prompt action in the interest of public health, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal directed that BPL ration card holders visiting Ambedkar Hospital will now receive free CT scan and MRI testing until the next General Council meeting.
For non-BPL OPD patients, the Minister also ensured that CT and MRI tests will be available at the lowest government-approved rates, making advanced medical diagnostics more affordable for everyone.
Hospital Administration Welcomes the Move
Ambedkar Hospital Superintendent Dr. Santosh Sonkar hailed the Health Minister’s decision as a significant step toward improving healthcare accessibility and affordability. He emphasized that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure that no patient faces inconvenience while availing of the CT or MRI testing facilities.
Dr. Sonkar added that the hospital’s Radiodiagnosis Department is equipped with state-of-the-art testing machines, attracting a large number of patients daily. The new directive will help streamline the testing process and ease the burden on poor families.
Background: Ayushman Bharat Scheme Challenges
Recently, patients faced difficulties in booking CT scan and MRI slots through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana portal, which caused delays and distress among OPD visitors. Recognizing this issue, Health Minister Jaiswal personally intervened and issued clear guidelines to ensure that poor and needy patients receive these crucial diagnostic tests without any financial barriers.
A Step Forward in Accessible Healthcare
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare infrastructure in Chhattisgarh. By offering free and subsidized diagnostic services, the administration aims to ensure that every patient, regardless of income, has access to timely and quality medical care.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
- Free CT scan and MRI tests for BPL ration card holders at Ambedkar Hospital, Raipur.
- Discounted rates for other OPD patients as per government norms.
- Immediate implementation until the next General Council meeting.
- Focus on patient convenience and smooth testing facility operations.
- Initiative taken after technical issues in Ayushman Bharat booking portal.
Public Response and Future Outlook
The announcement has been widely appreciated by the public and medical community alike. Many believe this move will reduce financial stress on poor families and increase early diagnosis of serious medical conditions.
As the government continues to prioritize patient welfare and healthcare accessibility, similar initiatives are expected to expand to other hospitals across Chhattisgarh in the near future.
The Chhattisgarh Health Department’s latest move, spearheaded by Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, marks a milestone in equitable healthcare delivery. By ensuring free and affordable diagnostic services at Ambedkar Hospital Raipur, the state reinforces its commitment to “Health for All.”
