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Bhubaneswar, Odisha – In a landmark announcement, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling declared the state’s ambitious plan to set up medical colleges in all districts within the next five years. The announcement aligns with the Central Government’s vision of ‘One District, One Medical College,’ initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure each district across India has access to medical education and healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking to media on Thursday, Mahaling said, “Medical colleges will be set up at the headquarters of all districts in the state, and a detailed roadmap has been prepared in this regard.” The state aims to bolster its healthcare system by increasing medical education capacity and improving access to quality medical services for residents across Odisha.
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in 2014, the Central Government has prioritized the expansion of medical education. Under this initiative, new medical colleges have been established with significant financial support from the Union Government, which funds 60% of the cost of new medical institutions in the state.
Currently, Odisha boasts 11 colleges offering undergraduate MBBS courses, with two additional medical colleges — Talcher and Kandhamal — set to begin operations soon. These developments form part of a broader strategy to address the state’s healthcare workforce needs by expanding medical education and filling crucial gaps in the system.
Partnerships to Drive Medical Research
Mahaling also highlighted Odisha’s growing focus on research and collaboration in the medical sector. The Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS), an umbrella institution affiliating over 200 medical and paramedical colleges, has recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six premier educational institutions from across the country. These partnerships aim to promote advanced medical research and foster the exchange of ideas between Odisha’s MBBS students, postgraduate doctors, and those pursuing traditional Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medicine, with experts from top-tier institutions nationally and internationally.
“The MoUs will ensure our doctors have access to cutting-edge research and knowledge, enhancing their skills and contributing to medical advancements not only in Odisha but across the country,” Mahaling noted.
Tackling Staffing Shortages
In addition to the expansion of medical colleges, Odisha is tackling staffing shortages in its healthcare facilities. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has committed to filling all vacant doctor and paramedical staff positions in the state’s medical institutions, ensuring that new and existing facilities are adequately staffed.
“We are committed to strengthening our healthcare infrastructure, and filling vacant posts is a priority to ensure the effective functioning of our medical colleges and hospitals,” the Chief Minister stated.
The roadmap for establishing medical colleges in every district is a significant step towards enhancing Odisha’s healthcare system, offering hope for improved access to medical care and education across the state. With the state’s commitment and backing from the Central Government, Odisha is poised to become a model for medical education and healthcare accessibility in India.
