Bhubaneswar, June 26: Stressing that "health is the true wealth," Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said a healthy Odisha is the foundation for a prosperous state and a developed India. Addressing the *Times Health Icons Odisha* programme, he said the state government is committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring affordable treatment and building public trust in the healthcare system.
The Chief Minister said no individual should hesitate to seek medical treatment due to financial constraints. Describing access to quality healthcare as a fundamental right, he said the government has designed its health schemes to ensure affordable and accessible medical services for every citizen.
Majhi said the government's healthcare policy now extends beyond creating hospitals and infrastructure to making the entire healthcare delivery system more efficient, transparent and trustworthy. He said efforts are underway to strengthen the state's healthcare network from primary health centres in rural areas to super-speciality hospitals in urban centres, ensuring timely treatment and quality care.
Highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare, the Chief Minister said yoga, Ayurveda and pranayama are India's invaluable contributions to global wellness. He added that healthy food habits, positive thinking and a disciplined lifestyle play a crucial role in maintaining good health. The state is also promoting digital health systems, telemedicine and the use of Artificial Intelligence to improve diagnosis and treatment, while integrating AYUSH with modern medicine to provide patients with multiple treatment options.
On medical education, Majhi said Odisha currently has 15 government medical colleges, while a new medical college is coming up in Nabarangpur. He announced that medical colleges will soon be established in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak. The government is also planning to set up eight nursing colleges, three Ayurvedic colleges and two homoeopathic medical colleges.
The Chief Minister informed that 5,197 medical officers and paramedical personnel have been recruited over the past two years. Additionally, 6,675 new posts have been created in the healthcare sector, while proposals have been sent to fill another 12,121 vacancies through various recruitment agencies.
He further said the government aims to develop Odisha into a major healthcare hub through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). As part of this vision, plans are being prepared to establish a world-class Medi-City in the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region.
Describing the *Times of India Health Icons* initiative as a commendable effort, the Chief Minister appreciated the recognition being given to doctors, hospitals, healthcare professionals and frontline workers for their exemplary service and dedication to patient care.
