Odisha CM Announces Four New Government Medical Colleges to Bolster Healthcare Infrastructure

Bhubaneswar, August 10, 2025 – In a landmark move to strengthen Odisha’s healthcare and medical education landscape, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the establishment of four new government medical colleges in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur districts. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a 650-bed hospital at Shaheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput, a facility constructed at a cost of Rs. 280 crore. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare access and address the shortage of medical professionals across the state, aligning with the government’s vision to make Odisha a leading and prosperous state by 2036.

Expanding Medical Education in Odisha

Odisha currently operates 12 government medical colleges, with two more slated for inauguration soon. The addition of the four new MBBS medical colleges will increase the total to 16, marking a significant step toward achieving the state’s goal of establishing a medical college in every district within five years. The new colleges, each expected to offer 100 MBBS seats, will be strategically located in underserved regions to address regional disparities in healthcare access and medical training. The state budget for 2025-26 has already allocated funds for these institutions, underscoring the government’s commitment to this ambitious plan.

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the transformative impact of these colleges, stating, “Our government is prioritizing qualitative improvements in education and healthcare. The new medical colleges in Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, and Nabarangpur will not only train more doctors but also ensure better healthcare services for the people of these districts and beyond.” The initiative is part of a broader plan announced by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, who revealed that the state aims to establish nine new medical colleges, including four dental colleges in Burla, Berhampur, Balangir, and Keonjhar, and one Ayurvedic institute in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj.

A Boost to Healthcare Infrastructure

The announcement comes on the heels of significant healthcare advancements in Odisha. During the Koraput event, CM Majhi highlighted the state’s progress in healthcare delivery, noting that the newly inaugurated 650-bed hospital at SLNMCH is equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, including CT scans, dialysis, mammography, and a dedicated oxygen plant to ensure uninterrupted supply for critical patients. Additionally, a Rs. 41.15 crore cancer treatment hospital is under construction on a two-acre plot adjacent to the SLNMCH campus, further enhancing specialized care in the region.

The new medical colleges are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the shortage of medical professionals in Odisha. The state government has already recruited 4,000 doctors and health workers in the past 10 months and plans to hire an additional 5,000 medical personnel in the coming year. “We are committed to filling all vacant healthcare positions promptly, ensuring that residents, especially in remote districts like Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri, no longer need to travel long distances for treatment,” Majhi said.

Regional Impact and Community Benefits

The new medical colleges will significantly benefit the districts of Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur, which have historically faced challenges in accessing quality healthcare. For instance, the Dhenkanal medical college, announced by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, fulfills a long-standing demand of the region’s residents. The college will initially offer MBBS courses, with plans for future expansion over an additional 20 acres to enhance healthcare education and infrastructure. This initiative is expected to improve the doctor-patient ratio and provide local employment opportunities.

Similarly, the medical colleges in Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, and Nabarangpur will serve as critical hubs for healthcare delivery and medical training in their respective regions. These districts, along with neighboring areas, will benefit from increased access to trained medical professionals and advanced healthcare facilities. The SLNMCH in Koraput, for example, is already set to serve not only Koraput but also Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, offering advanced medical services under one roof.

Integration with National and State Healthcare Schemes

The announcement of the new medical colleges coincided with the launch of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in Cuttack, a national health insurance scheme aimed at providing free healthcare to economically disadvantaged populations. Combined with Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana and Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), these schemes cover approximately 3.46 crore people—80% of Odisha’s population. To date, nearly 3.91 lakh beneficiaries have received medical assistance worth Rs. 900 crore under these programs. Additionally, under the Ayushman Vayo Vandana Yojana, 8,644 senior citizens above 70 years have received benefits worth Rs. 35.6 crore.

In Koraput alone, 3,547 AB-PMJAY-BSKY cards have been issued, and 9,006 beneficiaries are enrolled under the Ayushman Vayo Vandana Yojana. Four private hospitals in the district have been empaneled to provide cashless healthcare, further expanding access to quality medical services.

A Vision for a Healthier Odisha

The establishment of these medical colleges aligns with the BJP-led government’s broader vision of fostering corruption-free governance and sustainable development. CM Majhi reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Odisha a prosperous state by 2036, contributing to a developed India by 2047. “This is the people’s government,” he said, emphasizing progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, and job creation. The new medical colleges, coupled with ongoing infrastructure projects like the six-lane Jaipur-Berhampur-Bhubaneswar Economic Corridor, signal a new era of development for Odisha.

Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling expressed gratitude to CM Majhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their support in approving the new medical colleges. “This will further strengthen the healthcare sector in the state and help build a healthy and prosperous Odisha,” Mahaling said in a post on X. The initiative has been widely praised by stakeholders, with Sunil Gupta, chairman of CII Odisha State Council, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in driving healthcare growth.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of the four new medical colleges in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s journey toward comprehensive healthcare coverage and medical education. By investing in these institutions, the state government is not only addressing the immediate need for more doctors but also laying the foundation for long-term improvements in healthcare delivery. As these projects take shape, they are expected to transform the healthcare landscape of Odisha, ensuring that quality medical services are accessible to all, particularly in underserved and remote regions.