Health Reforms & COVID Crisis Management
Health Reforms & COVID Crisis Management
Transforming healthcare infrastructure and innovative COVID-19 management strategies that became a model for the nation
A Healthcare Revolution Under Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Under Chouhan's leadership, Madhya Pradesh witnessed a historic transformation in healthcare infrastructure. In 2003, the state had only five medical colleges; today, the number has grown to 23. Super-specialty hospitals have been established in Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Rewa, while the State Cancer Institute in Jabalpur and a Cancer Care Centre in Gwalior brought advanced cancer treatment within the state itself. Post-COVID, ICUs were set up in all district hospitals, and over 220 PSA oxygen plants strengthened the supply network. With 9,400+ Health & Wellness Centres and 745 Mukhyamantri Sanjeevani Clinics, healthcare services were expanded deep into villages and towns.
To reinforce the system, special focus was given to human resources. Under the National Health Mission, more than 15,000 doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff were appointed. Over 70,000 students were trained in nursing and paramedical colleges, building a skilled healthcare workforce and making the state self-reliant in medical services.
The Ayushman Bharat–Niramayam Yojana extended healthcare to the poorest families, with 95% of eligible households covered and 27 million cards issued, placing Madhya Pradesh at the top nationally. Telemedicine services connected 600 PHCs and 8,000 wellness centres across 20 districts, while 45 district hospitals were equipped with CT scans and 132 free pathology tests. Ambulance services increased from 1,445 to 2,052, reducing the average response time to just 18 minutes. Free health camps in 313 development blocks provided treatment to lakhs of people. Within just two years, more than ₹1,468 crore was spent under the PM Jan Aarogya Yojana, benefiting 590,000+ patients.
Traditional medicine and AYUSH were also promoted. The Devaranya Yojana encouraged cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in tribal areas, while the ‘Yoga Se Nirog’ programme reached 190,000 patients. The state established 362 AYUSH Wellness Centres, with 200 more approved. The ‘Vaidya Aapke Dwar’ scheme offered free online consultations, while 238,000 people were screened for sickle cell anemia, and AYUSH Grams were created in 75 villages to revive traditional healthcare practices. Through these initiatives, Madhya Pradesh has established itself as a model state in healthcare, combining modern infrastructure with traditional wisdom, and achieving self-reliance in public health services.
Fight Against COVID-19: A Madhya Pradesh Model
During the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, Madhya Pradesh, under the leadership of the then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, set an extraordinary example of courage, sensitivity, and innovation. Instead of relying solely on administrative measures, the government made public participation and mass awareness its most powerful weapons. As a result, the “Madhya Pradesh Model” effectively curbed the spread of infection and emerged as an exemplary approach for the entire nation.
Crisis Management Committees were formed in every village and ward, bringing together Sarpanchs, social workers, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and local administration. These committees took crucial decisions on enforcing curfews, conducting surveys, identifying suspected cases, and ensuring timely treatment.
The 'Kill Corona' campaign proved to be a game-changer. Following the IITT strategy (Identification, Isolation, Testing, Treatment), door-to-door surveys were conducted, medicines were distributed, and suspected patients were isolated and treated. Covering over 60 million people in rural areas, this campaign played a historic role in breaking the chain of transmission. Isolation and COVID Care Centres were set up across the state, providing patients with free medicines, nutritious food, yoga, and counseling. With 350+ care centres and 22,000+ quarantine beds, thousands of families received relief, while 99% of home-isolated patients were provided medical kits and tele-counseling.
Shivraj led from the front by maintaining continuous dialogue and reviews. Through regular video conferences with officials, doctors, and crisis teams, he monitored the situation and gave immediate directions. Even after contracting the virus himself, he continued to hold meetings from the hospital. The 'Yoga Se Nirog' campaign, involving over 2,000 trainers, helped more than 98,000 home-isolated patients practice yoga, pranayama, and meditation, boosting morale and speeding recovery. Public awareness drives like “Mera Mask, Meri Suraksha”, “Mask Nahi, To Baat Nahi”, and the “Roko-Toko” campaign further encouraged people to follow safety protocols.
To break the chain of infection, Chouhan called for a Janata Curfew, which was voluntarily implemented in over 21,000 gram panchayats. The “Main Corona Volunteer Hoon” campaign saw more than 1,16,000 citizens register to assist the administration in mask distribution, vaccination awareness, and social distancing. Amid oxygen and medicine shortages, the state swiftly set up oxygen plants, arranged tankers, and even used helicopters to deliver Remdesivir injections to districts. Welfare schemes like the Chief Minister COVID Treatment Scheme, COVID Child Welfare Scheme, Family Assistance Scheme, Compassionate Appointment Scheme, and Warrior Welfare Scheme supported thousands of affected families socially and financially. These collective efforts enabled Madhya Pradesh not only to control the pandemic but also to emerge as a role model for the country.
Madhya Pradesh's COVID-19 vaccination drive emerged as one of the fastest and most inclusive in the country. With the support of health workers and volunteers, the state achieved record single-day vaccinations, ensured door-to-door awareness, and prioritized both rural and urban populations, making vaccines accessible to all sections of society.
