Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated ‘Dev Hast’, the first robotic surgical system in any government health institution in central India, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur. Calling the event a milestone in healthcare development, Mr. Sai said robotic surgery will transform medical treatment in the state by providing advanced, precise, and quality care.
Chief Minister Leads the First Demonstration
In a symbolic gesture, Mr. Sai personally performed the first dry lab dissection on the robotic system. He highlighted that AIIMS Raipur has once again set an example for the region by pioneering this medical advancement.
Parijan Niwas to Support Patient Families
Alongside the inauguration, Mr. Sai announced the establishment of a fully equipped ‘Parijan Niwas’ at AIIMS Raipur. This facility will provide affordable and convenient accommodation to relatives of patients admitted not only from Chhattisgarh but also from other states.
Strong Commitment to Healthcare Expansion
Reflecting on his long association with AIIMS Raipur, Mr. Sai recalled efforts made during his tenure as a Member of Parliament to bring an AIIMS to Chhattisgarh. He shared that healthcare expansion remains a top priority for his government. In the past 20 months, five new medical colleges have been approved, and work is underway on a 5,000-bed Medicity at Nava Raipur.
Supportive Healthcare Schemes for All
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of affordable treatment, noting how lifestyle-related diseases are growing. He highlighted the Ayushman Bharat scheme providing free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh and said that under the Vay Vandana Yojana, this benefit is now extended to all patients above 70 years of age.
Robotic Surgery to Strengthen Modern Medicine
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Shyam Bihari Jaiswal noted that robotic surgery is a crucial step in enhancing the capacity and quality of healthcare. He revealed that Mekahara Hospital in Raipur will also soon be equipped with robotic surgery facilities.
Recognition for Public Participation
The robotic system has been named ‘Dev Hast’ following a public competition. Ms. Jyotsna Kiradu, the winner of the naming contest, was awarded Rs. 5,000 by the Chief Minister. The ceremony was attended by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. Ashok Jindal, Director and CEO of AIIMS Raipur, Dr. Devjyoti Mohanty, medical students, and several dignitaries.
