Odisha government to set up medical colleges in 30 districts

Taking initiative towards advancement and development in the medical field, the government of Odisha is all set to open up medical colleges in each district. The Odisha Chief Minister on September 18,2024, Wednesday reiterated his government’s effort to open a medical college in each district. There are around 30 districts in the state, meaning opening 30 medical colleges. While addressing the annual conference of the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) in Balasore, Majhi he emphasised the priority of filling the vacant positions across the state.

The chief minister also pleaded the medical community to work with dedication and maintain the public's trust in the healthcare system.

"Our government's priority is to fill up all the vacant posts soon and upgrade medical services in the state. Apart from doctors, there is also a big role of nurses in providing treatment to the people," Mohan Charan Majhi stated as quoted by the Press Trust of India.

"We will establish a medical college in each district," he also added.

Moreover, the chief Minister criticised the government before, the BJD government because it neglected the health sector. He pointed out that out of 15,774 sanctioned doctor posts, 5,765 were remain vacant for a long period. He also talked about the former administration. It had only appointed 443 doctors on an ad hoc and contractual basis.

He highlighted the fact that his government has increased the health department's budget by 32% for the 2024-25 fiscal year. He said "We are committed to delivering quality healthcare to all. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which was previously withheld due to political reasons, will soon be implemented in Odisha,".

Apart from opening  a medical college in each district the chief minister assured to resolve issues such as doctors’ incentives and housing season, and promised for a safe working environment without fear.