CM Majhi Announces Major Health Initiatives at National Healthcare Summit
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and accessibility at the 9th National Summit on Good and Replicable Practices and Innovations in India’s Public Healthcare System in Puri.
Highlighting the state’s progress, CM Majhi announced plans to fill 5,000 doctor vacancies, open eight new nursing colleges, and establish two new medical colleges in Phulbani and Angul by the 2025-26 academic year. He also revealed plans for four new dental colleges in the near future.
Key Announcements & Developments
Expansion of Healthcare Facilities
- Ayushman Bharat PMJAY & Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana: Odisha will integrate its healthcare system with the national scheme, providing access to 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India.
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs:
- 7,358 Urban & Rural PHCs and Sub-centers will be converted into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
- 1,338 new buildings for these centers will be constructed next year.
Strengthening the Healthcare Workforce
- 3,537 health personnel have already been recruited.
- 5,000 doctor vacancies to be filled soon.
- Eight new nursing colleges will be established to train healthcare professionals.
Cancer Care & Telemedicine Expansion
- Cancer Day Care Centers to be set up in every district to provide quality cancer treatment.
- Telemedicine services to be expanded to reach remote areas, ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
Union Government’s Commitment to Healthcare
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda emphasized that under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is focused on preventive, promotive, and comprehensive healthcare measures. He praised grassroots workers, such as ASHA workers, for their role in improving health outcomes, including reduced infant and maternal mortality rates.
He urged state health departments to work closely with public representatives, citing Dr. Sambit Patra, MP from Puri and a former doctor, as an example of collaboration between healthcare professionals and lawmakers.
Odisha’s Health Achievements
Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling highlighted Odisha’s improved institutional deliveries, declining Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). Odisha currently holds the top rank in full immunization coverage at 90.5%.
Under the Odisha Cancer Care Programme, chemotherapy services are now available at 32 District Headquarters Hospitals, ensuring accessible cancer treatment.
Government’s Vision for Healthcare
Senior officials, including Punya Salila Srivastava (Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Govt of India) and Aradhana Patnaik (MD, National Health Mission), reiterated the government’s focus on capacity building, drug availability, and improving health services at the grassroots level.
The summit, attended by officials from various States & Union Territories, aimed to address India’s pressing healthcare challenges and foster innovation in public health policies.
