RAIPUR: Replying to the debate on the demand for grants for the health department under the new budget, Health Minister TS Singh Deo on Tuesday announced free tests, treatment and medicines at government run health facilities in state for residents from June 1.

” A cashless system will be implemented in all government hospitals from June 1, whereby patients will not have to pay even a single rupee for treatment, tests and medicines,” Singh Deo said.

Under the scheme called ‘Swasthya Nayay Yojana’ all Out patient, In-patient services, and diagnostic services can be availed for free.

The scheme approved by Bhupesh Baghel aims to add a new dimension to the Nyay schemes in the state and help achieve the goal of providing health care to people as a matter of right. The health minister also highlighted the five fold increase in the number of specialists in govt hospitals in the past 4 years. The state has seen an increase in the availability of dialysis centre across 29 health centres. At present the state govt has 222 dentists and 2413 medical officers.