Odisha's CM Unveils New Medical College and Hospital in Kandhamal: A Game Changer for Local Healthcare

Major Healthcare Developments in Kandhamal

Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a new government medical college with 100 seats and a 650-bed hospital in Phulbani, the administrative center of Kandhamal.

During his visit, the Chief Minister also launched and laid the groundwork for ten development initiatives totaling approximately Rs 750 crore. This included the opening of five projects valued at Rs 655 crore and the foundation laying of five additional projects exceeding Rs 94 crore.

Accompanying him were Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Kandhamal MP Sukant Kumar Panigrahi, and Phulbani MLA Umcharan Mallick.

Majhi expressed that the establishment of the medical college addresses a long-standing demand from the local community.

He stated, “This medical college will not only serve Kandhamal but also provide quality healthcare to surrounding districts such as Nayagarh, Boudh, and Kalahandi. It will help alleviate the shortage of doctors in the state and act as a catalyst for local employment, research, and economic growth.”

Previously, residents had to travel to Berhampur or Cuttack for better healthcare services. Now, they will have access to similar facilities locally. Graduates from this college are expected to serve in this predominantly tribal district.

Majhi encouraged the medical students to strive for excellence, stating, “Service to humanity is service to God.”

He also highlighted the introduction of the ‘Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ in Odisha, a program that was unavailable under the previous administration.

This initiative will enable over 3.5 crore residents to access free healthcare at 29,000 private medical facilities nationwide. Additionally, the state’s ‘Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana’ is being implemented as a comprehensive health service scheme.

Majhi noted that more than 80% of the state's population will benefit from these health initiatives, with a budget allocation of Rs 23,635 crore for healthcare, representing 8.2% of the total budget—the highest in the state's history.

Following this, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for ten diverse development projects in Phulbani, aimed at enhancing the district's infrastructure.

These projects encompass rural drinking water initiatives, extensive piped water supply systems, improvements to school infrastructure, tourism centers, health facilities, road construction, Mission Shakti Bazaar, Multipurpose Community Centers, and other governmental infrastructure.

Majhi emphasized that his administration is committed to providing essential services such as quality education, healthcare, tourism, and infrastructure to the district's 54% tribal population.

He also mentioned that numerous industrial projects are set to be established in Kandhamal, which will significantly boost industrial growth and create ample job opportunities for local residents.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government's focus on promoting tourism in Daringbadi, known for its natural beauty.

He announced that a project worth Rs 18 crore has been approved for tourism development in Daringbadi, with tenders already invited, and Rs 4.5 crore allocated for enhancing the Putudi waterfall.

Moreover, other tourist attractions in Kandhamal will also undergo development.