Odisha to Appoint Over 5,000 Doctors, Expand Healthcare Facilities

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the recruitment of 5,248 MBBS doctors and 126 dentists this year to address the existing vacancies in the state’s healthcare system. State Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling informed the Assembly on Monday that the Odisha Public Service Commission has been directed to complete the recruitment process within the year.

In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure, Dr. Mahaling also revealed that day-care centers and chemotherapy facilities will be established at all district headquarters hospitals (DHH) across the state. This move aims to enhance cancer care accessibility for patients in remote areas.

Additionally, the government plans to set up satellite health centers in Bhadrak, Jharsuguda, Dhenkanal, Kendrapara, Subarnapur, Deogarh, Kalahandi, Jajpur, and Boudh. These centers will be equipped with ten observation beds and will feature 24-hour ambulance services to facilitate patient transfers to district headquarters hospitals.

“The objective of these satellite health centers is to strengthen primary healthcare by utilizing the existing infrastructure effectively,” said Dr. Mahaling. The initiative is expected to significantly improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved regions of Odisha.