Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reiterated his government’s dedication to opening a medical college in each of the state’s 30 districts on Wednesday. Speaking at the annual conference of the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) in Balasore, Majhi emphasized the priority of filling vacant doctor positions across the state.
The chief minister also urged the medical community to work with dedication and maintain the public’s trust in the healthcare system.
The chief minister criticized the previous BJD government for its neglect of the health sector, pointing out that out of the 15,774 sanctioned doctor posts, 5,765 have remained vacant for an extended period. He also noted that the former administration had only appointed 443 doctors on an ad hoc and contractual basis.
“Our government’s priority is to fill up all the vacant posts soon and upgrade medical services in the state. Apart from doctors, there is also a big role of nurses in providing treatment to the people,” Mohan Charan Majhi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
“We will establish a medical college in each district,” he adds.
He said his government has increased the health department’s allocation by 32 per cent in the 2024-25 fiscal.
Further, the chief minister emphasized the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare for all, stating that the Ayushman Bharat scheme is ready for implementation, but its benefits were previously withheld from the people of Odisha due to political reasons.
The chief minister stated that his government has increased the health department’s budget by 32% for the 2024-25 fiscal year. “We are committed to delivering quality healthcare to all. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which was previously withheld due to political reasons, will soon be implemented in Odisha,” he said.
Addressing the demands of the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA), the chief minister promised to resolve issues related to doctors’ incentives and housing soon. He also assured the medical community of a safe working environment, free from fear.
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Source: India Today
