Bhubaneswar, Sept 3: Odisha's Health Minister Mukesh Mahalinga announced on Monday that the state is likely to have its second All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Sambalpur.
Mahalinga informed that the Government of Odisha will soon hold discussions with the Union Government to establish state's second AIIMS in Sambalpur.
In addition to AIIMS, the minister revealed plans to open new medical colleges in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Puri, and Jajpur, as well as nursing colleges to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the state.
Mahalinga further stated that a task force, chaired by the Chief Secretary, has been formed to ensure the safety of doctors working in the state. As part of this initiative, police outposts will be established at each medical college.
The minister also announced efforts to reduce ambulance response times from 30 minutes to 20 minutes and the launch of free dialysis programs at 55 health centers across Odisha.
To enhance healthcare services at the grassroots level, Mahalinga disclosed plans to establish Ayushmann Arogya Mandirs in all gram panchayat headquarters, which will provide access to yoga instructors and medical staff.
Furthermore, 300 doctors and paramedical staff will soon be recruited to fill the current shortage, and the Odisha Health University will become fully operational, offering medical and engineering courses in Odia, according to Mahalinga.
