In a significant move to bolster Odisha’s healthcare system, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting of the Health and Family Welfare Department at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
The meeting focused on addressing critical gaps in medical staffing, infrastructure, and service delivery, with a special emphasis on tribal-dominated regions.
The Chief Minister announced the imminent recruitment of 1,840 doctors and over 5,000 paramedical staff to fill vacant positions across the state. Additionally, he directed authorities to expedite the filling of vacant professor, associate professor, and assistant professor posts in medical colleges. To ensure equitable healthcare access, a rationalisation process will be implemented to deploy medical officers optimally, with a priority on placing more doctors in tribal areas.
CM Majhi also emphasised the need for infrastructure development in medical colleges, increasing postgraduate (PG) seats, and filling non-medical technical staff positions. To enhance emergency care, he instructed the establishment of Integrated Trauma Care Centres in accident-prone areas. Addressing concerns of doctors reluctant to serve in remote locations, the CM proposed increasing incentive allowances for such postings. Issues faced by AYUSH doctors were also discussed, with directives issued to resolve them promptly.
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary of Finance Sanjay Mishra, Principal Secretary to CM Shaswat Mishra, Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S, NHM Director Dr. Brunda D, and OSMC Managing Director Dr. Poma Tudu.
This comprehensive review underscores the Odisha government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services, ensuring better access, and improving medical education and infrastructure across the state.
