From 2009 to 2013, Anbalagan P IAS Chhattisgarh held key leadership roles, including Director of Health Services, Director of Family Welfare, and Managing Director of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). During this time, he played a pivotal role in transforming the healthcare landscape in the state through two groundbreaking initiatives: the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service and the establishment of the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC).

Before 2009, healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas, posed significant challenges. The lack of an organized emergency response system meant that people living in remote regions faced major barriers in accessing timely medical care, leading to preventable deaths, especially among marginalized communities. Recognizing this gap, Anbalagan P IAS spearheaded efforts to establish the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service, a dedicated helpline that provided free emergency medical assistance and connected individuals in distress to a fleet of ambulances equipped with essential medical facilities.

The launch of the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service was a transformative moment in the healthcare system. For the first time, every citizen in Chhattisgarh, regardless of location, could access life-saving emergency medical care. The service was not only designed to transport patients to healthcare facilities but also to provide essential pre-hospital interventions. Ambulances were staffed with trained paramedics capable of administering critical first aid, stabilizing patients during transit, and ensuring that they received timely medical attention upon arrival. This initiative significantly improved healthcare outcomes and saved many lives, particularly in rural areas where emergency services were previously unavailable.

A key to the success of the initiative was reducing response times. Anbalagan P IAS Chhattisgarh led the creation of a state-of-the-art call center staffed with well-trained operators, which efficiently handled emergency calls. Ambulances were strategically positioned across the state to ensure rapid dispatch and reduced travel time. This prompt service not only became a symbol of hope for Chhattisgarh residents but also strengthened public trust in the healthcare system, leading to an increase in the utilization of government hospitals.

In addition to emergency services, the establishment of the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC) was another game-changing step in improving the state’s healthcare delivery. Modeled after the successful Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC), CGMSC was designed to streamline the procurement and distribution of essential medicines, medical equipment, and supplies statewide. Prior to CGMSC, procurement processes were fragmented and inefficient, often leading to shortages and delays that compromised patient care, especially in rural healthcare facilities.

Under Anbalagan P IAS Chhattisgarh‘s leadership, CGMSC centralized procurement, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process. By leveraging economies of scale, the corporation achieved cost reductions while maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality medicines across healthcare facilities. Strict quality control measures ensured that only the best medicines and equipment were delivered to hospitals, improving the quality of care and fostering greater trust in the public healthcare infrastructure.

The impact of CGMSC was immediate and transformative. Healthcare facilities, including those in the most remote areas, began receiving timely deliveries of essential medicines and equipment, addressing long-standing gaps in the healthcare system. This consistency meant that patients no longer had to travel long distances or pay exorbitant fees to access essential medicines. The availability of these medicines at government hospitals helped reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs, making healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone.

Reflecting on these initiatives, Anbalagan P IAS takes great pride in the strides made in revolutionizing healthcare in Chhattisgarh. The 108 Emergency Ambulance Service brought critical medical care directly to people’s doorsteps, while the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation ensured that healthcare facilities were consistently stocked with the necessary supplies to deliver high-quality care. Together, these initiatives strengthened the state’s healthcare infrastructure, enhanced health outcomes, and made essential medical services accessible to all, regardless of geographical or socio-economic barriers.