Koraput Gets 650-Bed Modern Hospital, Economic Corridor to Boost Connectivity

Koraput: In a major push to healthcare and infrastructure in southern Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art 650-bed hospital at the Saheed Laxman Naik Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput. Built at a cost of ₹280 crore, the facility is designed to serve the tribal-dominated district and its neighbouring regions, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.

Addressing a large gathering, Majhi announced that all vacant healthcare positions at SLNMCH would be filled on priority. He also unveiled plans for the Jeypore–Brahmapur–Bhubaneswar Economic Corridor, a six-lane expressway expected to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth across southern Odisha.

The newly inaugurated hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic services, including CT scan, dialysis, and mammography facilities. An independent oxygen plant is under construction to meet critical care needs. A dedicated cancer hospital, being built on two acres of adjacent land with an investment of ₹41.15 crore, will further expand specialised care options in the region.

Highlighting the state government’s focus on strengthening public health infrastructure, Majhi said, “Our goal is to ensure that no one from Koraput has to travel far for medical treatment. We are working towards corruption-free development, with special emphasis on education and healthcare.” He added that four new government medical colleges will soon be established in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur, adding to the 12 already operational in the state.

Under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), Odisha has extended healthcare coverage to nearly 80% of its population. In Koraput alone, over 3 lakh AB-PMJAY-GJAY cards have been distributed, enabling beneficiaries to access free treatment in more than 29,000 empaneled private hospitals nationwide.

The Chief Minister also noted that the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana has benefitted 8,644 senior citizens over the age of 70, providing free treatment worth ₹35.60 crore. “Each family is eligible for ₹5 lakh annually, with an additional ₹5 lakh for women members,” he said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling described the hospital as a landmark in Koraput’s healthcare journey, marking a shift towards a patient-centric system and balanced regional development.

During the event, financial assistance was distributed to beneficiaries under AB-PMJAY, GJAY, and Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, underscoring the state’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare.