Rairangpur, Feb 5: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Wednesday that the state government is considering the establishment of four additional medical colleges to address the ongoing shortage of doctors. Speaking at a public meeting in Mayurbhanj district, where President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stone for an AYUSH Hospital-cum-Ayurvedic College at Rairangpur, Majhi highlighted the government’s commitment to improving healthcare in the state.
In his address, Majhi stated, "In the field of healthcare, four more medical colleges will be opened in the state. This will solve the problem of shortage of doctors in the state." He also emphasized the development of alternative medicine sectors such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Dental, Nursing, and other disciplines, alongside traditional Allopathy.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced plans to further strengthen Arogya Mandirs, ensuring 24-hour healthcare services for rural communities. He explained that this would significantly improve healthcare access for people living in remote areas of Odisha.
Currently, Odisha has 11 state-run medical colleges and six private medical colleges, but the addition of four new institutions is expected to significantly boost the state's capacity to produce more healthcare professionals.
Majhi also made a special mention of Mayurbhanj, the birthplace of President Murmu, assuring that funds will not be a constraint for the district's development. He remarked, "The development of Mayurbhanj became guaranteed when the daughter of the soil became the President of India."
Further, the Chief Minister stated that the Odisha government is committed to the protection and development of Similipal biodiversity, with a provision of Rs 50 crore allocated in the 2025-26 Budget. He also announced a detailed project report of Rs 100 crore for the beautification and development of the Maa Kichakeswari Temple, an important religious site in Mayurbhanj.
In his speech, Majhi reiterated the importance of the joint efforts of the central and state governments in promoting sustainable development for the district and the entire state of Odisha. He concluded by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to President Murmu, emphasizing that her presence at the event marked a historic occasion.
“These projects are not just about buildings or infrastructure; they represent our investment in creating better human resources. They will pave the way for a brighter future, especially for our youth, farmers, tribal communities, and women,” Majhi said.
