Healthcare Reaches Dantewada’s Forests as Medical Team Treks 13 km to Remote Village

New Delhi: A new picture of change is emerging from the dense forests and rugged hills of Dantewada, where healthcare is now reaching villages once considered inaccessible due to Maoist influence and tough terrain.

Under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan, launched by Chhattisgarh Government a health department team trekked 13 kilometres through difficult hilly paths to reach Badepalli village in the Bailadila region. There, they held a health camp for local residents.

Crossing forests and rocky trails, the medical team conducted check-ups for 227 villagers. The camp included tests for malaria, sickle cell disease, haemoglobin levels, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Free medicines and primary treatment were provided on the spot to those in need.

Women and children received special attention during the camp. A high-risk pregnant woman was identified and referred to the district hospital for advanced care and safe delivery. Another 12 patients with hypertension and diabetes were sent to higher health centres for further treatment.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government is working to ensure better healthcare reaches Bastar’s remote areas. “The Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan is helping villagers receive treatment and essential healthcare services closer to their homes,” he said.

The health team also ran awareness sessions on the Ayushman Bharat scheme, nutrition, hygiene, and safe motherhood practices. Officials said the campaign aims to do more than provide treatment, it seeks to boost health awareness and strengthen trust in public healthcare systems.

Local residents said healthcare access in such remote villages was once thought nearly impossible. Regular camps and expanding administrative outreach are now building confidence among the community.

Once associated with fear and underdevelopment, parts of Bastar are now seeing a new phase of public service, development, and growing trust.