Dr. Priyanka Shukla: Healing Chhattisgarh Beyond Hospitals

Raipur | Dr. Priyanka Shukla, an IAS officer of the 2009 batch (Chhattisgarh cadre), has emerged as one of the most visible and reform-driven bureaucrats in Chhattisgarh’s administration in recent years. With her unique background as a medical doctor and now a senior IAS officer, Dr. Shukla is spearheading several critical initiatives in public health, digital governance, and tribal outreach across the state

🩺 From Medicine to Mission

Before joining the civil services, Dr. Shukla was a practicing doctor. A life-changing incident during her medical service inspired her to join the Indian Administrative Service—a decision driven by her desire to address systemic issues in public health and empower marginalized communities.

Since then, she has served in key administrative positions including District Collector, Zila Panchayat CEO, and now as Commissioner-cum-Director, Health Services and Special Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Chhattisgarh.

Key Achievements Over the Last Three Years

🔹 1. Appointment to Top Health Position (November 2024)

In a major reshuffle, Dr. Shukla was appointed Commissioner-cum-Director, Health Services, with additional charge of Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare.
Her elevation marked a turning point for the state’s health administration, as she brought field experience and data-driven strategies to improve healthcare access and quality.

2. Digital Health Revolution (April 2025)

Under her leadership, Chhattisgarh began integrating Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs with the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) portal.
This initiative, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is enabling better management of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and ensuring continuity of care for rural patients.

Dr. Shukla emphasized that “ABHA integration is key to tracking patient history and improving long-term outcomes.”

3. Field Engagement in Bastar’s Remote Areas (September 2025)

Dr. Shukla gained widespread recognition for overseeing medical outreach in Bijapur district—one of Chhattisgarh’s most remote and conflict-affected regions.
Under her supervision, a medical team crossed the swollen Indravati river to reach villages like Konde, delivering healthcare under the state’s “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar” campaign.
The camps offered maternal and child health services, NCD screenings, and cancer detection, symbolizing the government’s resolve to reach the last mile.

4. Managing Public Health Workforce Crisis (September 2025)

When over 14,000 contractual staffers of the National Health Mission (NHM) resigned in protest, Dr. Shukla played a key role in crisis management.
She announced acceptance of key demands like CR transparency, paid leave, and initiated committees for salary revision and insurance coverage.
Her proactive response helped stabilize operations and restore dialogue with striking workers.

5. Recognition for District Development

Earlier, as Collector of Kanker, Dr. Shukla led the district to 8th position nationwide in the NITI Aayog Aspirational District Index, with special recognition in Health & Nutrition (Rank 6).

Dr. Priyanka Shukla’s popularity in Chhattisgarh stems from her field-oriented leadership, data-driven decisions, and empathetic governance.
She combines medical expertise with administrative acumen, ensuring that public policies reach citizens in the most remote tribal belts of the state.

Her initiatives reflect a “boots-on-the-ground” approach—personally reviewing field conditions, engaging with community health workers, and using technology to bridge service gaps.

From spearheading digital health innovations to reaching inaccessible tribal villages, Dr. Priyanka Shukla’s journey reflects the transformation of public service into public trust.
She continues to inspire professionals across India—showing that with vision and compassion, administration can become an instrument of healing.

Name Dr. Priyanka Shukla Batch / Cadre 2009 IAS, Chhattisgarh Current Role Commissioner-cum-Director, Health Services; Special Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Background MBBS, former medical practitioner Major Initiatives Digital health (ABHA-NCD integration), Tribal outreach (Bijapur medical camps), NHM workforce reforms Past Role Collector, Kanker; Director, Veterinary Services Awards / Recognition Kanker ranked Top 10 in Aspirational District Index Known For Empathetic governance, field engagement, public health reforms