A groundbreaking initiative is revolutionising healthcare access in Janjgir-Champa. Residents across the district are witnessing the transformative impact of Chhattisgarh’s first health initiative “Swastha Janjgir Champa Abhiyan (SJCA) 2024”, a campaign designed to bring essential medical services to the doorstep. This initiative, spearheaded by Collector Akash Chhikara ensures that every citizen receives timely and comprehensive healthcare without the need to navigate multiple government offices or endure lengthy procedures.
Comprehensive Coverage Across the District
SJCA 2024 is more than just a health campaign; it is a district-wide movement aimed at improving the well-being of over 11.29 lakh residents across 5 blocks, 336 Gram Panchayats, and 11 urban local bodies. In the past, health teams would visit separately to provide various health services. However, SJCA 2024 has streamlined this process by covering all six critical health schemes namely the Ayushman card distribution, TB testing, Leprosy screening, Sickle cell anaemia testing, Cataract identification, and Disability diagnosis in a single visit. By conducting a one-time, door-to-door survey, the initiative aimed at saturating coverage of these six schemes, ensuring that every eligible resident received the necessary services.
Under the Ayushman Bharat campaign, 1, 71,294 Ayushman cards have been issued in the past 7 months, covering 88.2% of the population. Approximately 32,748 samples from suspected TB patients have been collected, with 27 new TB cases identified. Additionally, 3,707 suspected leprosy patients were identified and 69 new cases were confirmed after testing. Around 6, 87,163 citizens have been tested for sickle cell anaemia, achieving 100% coverage of the target population. The survey also identified 10,066 individuals with suspected eye problems, with 2,228 cataract cases detected and further examinations being conducted by ophthalmic assistants. Furthermore, 7,717 persons with disabilities were identified, with 2,647 requiring disability certificates. Block-level medical camps are to be organized for these patients in the future.
On-the-Ground Impact and Efficiency
For residents like Santoshi Kevat from Bhuigaon village, the campaign has been transformative. As a Mitanin Didi, Santoshi has been actively involved in conducting health screenings and surveys. “This campaign has greatly benefited all the villagers, providing them with essential healthcare services right at their doorstep,” she shared.
The initiative has provided much-needed relief, making essential health services accessible to all, particularly those in remote areas. The campaign’s success is evident in its scale. With 2,865 health workers and 162 survey teams comprising 2,170 members, the program has ensured thorough and continuous coverage. The monitoring system, overseen by 275 cluster, block and district nodal officers, ensures the quality and effectiveness of the surveys. The focused approach involved providing health services directly at the doorstep of beneficiaries, which significantly enhanced accessibility and convenience. The campaign, which lasted 45 days, was intensely monitored and reviewed frequently by officials at various levels, including the Collector, CEO Zilla Panchayat and Cheif Medical and Health Officer, ensuring high standards of quality and effectiveness throughout its duration.
Transforming Healthcare Delivery
“The Swastha Janjgir Champa Abhiyan is a monumental step forward in our mission to create a Healthy Chhattisgarh. By bringing healthcare directly to the people, we are not only improving their quality of life but also setting a new standard for public health across the state. This campaign is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential health services”
Collector Akash Chhikara said, highlighting the significance of the initiative
The impact of the SJCA 2024 can be seen across Janjgir-Champa, where residents like Chetan Sahu from Kodabhat village have experienced firsthand the convenience and efficiency of the initiative. “The health department’s team came to my home to conduct the survey. They inquired about various health issues and conducted sickle cell tests for my family. This saved me time and money, as we received all the necessary check-ups at home,” he explains.
As the campaign continues to make strides, it is clear that the Swastha Janjgir-Champa Abhiyan is not just improving health outcomes—it is reshaping the way healthcare is delivered in the district, ensuring that every resident has access to the care they need, when and where they need it.