Mohan Majhi government to focus on improving healthcare sector in Odisha

The Mohan Majhi government on Monday unveiled its policies, emphasising on the healthcare sector and aligning itself with various schemes of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

Inaugural address by Odisha Governor Raghubar Das on the 17th^t The Odisha Legislative Assembly has taken up the priorities of the new BJP government in the state. “Healthcare in Odisha is facing a shortage of doctors and facilities, especially in rural areas. Concerted initiatives and efforts to improve infrastructure, awareness, social measures can bring a sea change in healthcare delivery,” Mr. Das said, addressing the first session of the Assembly.

“My government intends to implement the Ayushman Bharat — Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in Odisha, which provides health insurance to all eligible residents of Odisha, ensuring essential financial protection and access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Stressing that the holistic development of public healthcare is a central element of the healthcare strategy, the Odisha Governor said, “My government will set up nursing colleges, medical colleges and super specialty hospitals at the district level to increase access to advanced medical education and healthcare. As many as 3,000 new doctors will be appointed across the state.” Availability of gynaecologists, paediatricians and nurses will be ensured in district hospitals, he added.

“The government aims to provide accessible healthcare to people living in remotest parts of the state. Modernisation of sub-centres and primary health centres (PHCs) in Arogya Mandirs will be undertaken. My government will strengthen health infrastructure by installing additional beds in CHCs (Community Health Centres)/ PHCs (Primary Health Centres)/ SDHs (Sub-divisional Hospitals)/ DHHs (District Headquarter Hospitals) and medical colleges,” the governor added.

Mr. Das said each CHC will be linked with a mobile health unit to ensure last-mile healthcare delivery. “To support patients with endemic diseases like thalassemia, anthrax and sickle cell disease, my government will allocate funds to provide special financial assistance to the needy,” he assured.

Similarly, the Governor reiterated that Odisha will introduce a state-level education policy in line with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020). In his speech, Mr. Das made it clear that law, medical and engineering courses will be taught in Odia.

“To enhance digital learning, my government will set up state-of-the-art computer labs in government schools. STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education initiatives will be introduced in partnership with the technology industry. Coding classes will start from class six, as per NEP-2020,” he said.

Moreover, the Majhi government will introduce AI platforms in government schools and 800 government schools will be converted into PM-SHRI (Schools for Rising India) schools. Similarly, the state government will ensure recruitment of 1.5 lakh vacant government posts in a fair and transparent manner and 65,000 posts will be filled in the next two years, the governor said.