Odisha CM Announces Major Healthcare Reforms at National Summit

Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a series of transformative healthcare initiatives, including the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) alongside the Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, at the 9th National Summit on Good and Replicable Practices and Innovations in India’s Public Healthcare System in Puri. These initiatives will enable citizens to access 29,000 empanelled hospitals across India, benefiting migrant workers and strengthening the state’s healthcare ecosystem.

Speaking at the summit, CM Majhi emphasized his government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure by appointing 3,537 new health personnel and filling 5,000 doctor vacancies soon. He also announced plans for: 8 new nursing colleges to strengthen the healthcare workforce, 2 new medical colleges in Phulbani and Angul to open in 2025-26, 4 new dental colleges in the near future, Conversion of 7,358 PHCs and Sub-Centres into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Construction of 1,338 new Ayushman Arogya Mandir buildings in the next financial year.

“Our vision for Sustha Odisha is inspired by the Sanskrit verse, ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu’ – may all be happy, may all be free from illness,” CM Majhi said.

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda lauded Odisha’s healthcare initiatives and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening preventive, promotive, and comprehensive healthcare. He also highlighted India’s progress in reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), and combating diseases like malaria and tuberculosis.

To further improve healthcare access, the Union Government is setting up Cancer Day Care Centers in every district and expanding telemedicine services to remote regions.

Odisha’s Healthcare Milestones

Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the state’s achievements, including:
✔ Highest immunization coverage in India (90.5%)
✔ Increased institutional deliveries
✔ Significant reductions in IMR and MMR
✔ Expansion of chemotherapy facilities in 32 District Headquarters Hospitals under the Odisha Cancer Care Programme

The summit, attended by senior officials from the Centre, States, and Union Territories, marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s healthcare journey, reinforcing its vision of a healthier and more equitable future for all citizens.