Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to the state’s alternative healthcare infrastructure, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday announced the establishment of three integrated AYUSH hospitals in Dhenkanal, Berhampur, and Balasore. The move aims to strengthen the presence of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) systems in the state.
The announcement was made during the annual function of the Students’ Union of Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where the Chief Minister was present as chief guest.
During the event, CM Majhi laid the foundation stone for a new Emergency Unit at the college and announced the creation of a Homoeopathic Research & Analysis Department to advance scientific inquiry in the field. A blood donation camp was also inaugurated as part of the programme.
Calling Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College a pillar of Odisha’s homoeopathic education system, the Chief Minister noted its 56-year history of promoting alternative medicine. He praised its unique in-house medicine manufacturing unit, which supplies homoeopathic remedies to several hospitals across the state.
“This institution is not only a leader in the state but also a significant contributor to homoeopathic education, research, and training nationwide,” said Majhi.
Highlighting the importance of homoeopathy in the national health ecosystem, the Chief Minister stated that around 15% of India’s AYUSH economy is driven by homoeopathy. Odisha currently has four government-run homoeopathic colleges and 562 dispensaries.
To further bolster healthcare delivery, the Odisha government has allocated ₹23,635 crore for the health sector in its annual budget, which accounts for over 8% of the total state budget.
CM Majhi also reiterated Odisha’s commitment to Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, under which over one crore citizens in the state are eligible for treatment at 29,000 government and private hospitals across India.
Health & Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, present at the event, lauded homoeopathy’s growing popularity and expressed confidence in the combined efforts of the state and central governments to improve healthcare outcomes.
The programme was also attended by Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Health & Family Welfare Aswathy S, Padma Dr. Ashok Mahapatra, and keynote speaker Dr. L.K. Nanda, who commended the students and faculty for advancing the reach and credibility of homoeopathic treatment.
