Bhubaneswar, Nov 18 : In terms of supplying physicians and experts, Odisha is headed towards self-sufficiency, according to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s statement on Friday.
Speaking at the orientation of new doctors at a function where 102 assistant professors joined the state government on Friday, the Chief Minister said that while Odisha was producing only 321 MBBS doctors and 254 specialists per year in the year 2000, now it produces 2525 MBBS doctors and 856 specialists annually, and these numbers are increasing each year.
Patnaik asked the young professors to have a human touch while treating patients. He said, “You are in a profession that demands absolute commitment to the job. You need to create confidence among the patients and their relatives. Along with your professional skills, a human touch in your approach can do wonders.”
The CM further said that ‘’our vision of happiness for our people is “Sustha Odisha, Sukhi Odisha.” For us, Every life is precious’, he emphasized.
Highlighting the state’s initiatives in healthcare, Patnaik said his government is committed to providing universal access to quality health care and bringing down the expenses of the people.
Under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, the government bears the entire cost of health services for all at state government hospitals. It is our responsibility to see that our patients get the best quality of care at our government medical college hospitals, he underscored.
Patnaik said, ” The government is building new, modern health infrastructure to provide quality healthcare in public health facilities.
Ama Hospital for the transformation of public health facilities and the opening up of new medical colleges and hospitals are some of the major active initiatives, he added.”
Focusing on the state’s transformative initiative, he said the transformative 5T initiative has paved the way for a new, empowered Odisha.
Components of transparency, technology, teamwork, and time are leading to transformation. He expected the young professors to follow this principle in their careers.
Sharing the happiness of young recruits, the CM said, “I share your happiness along with your parents and other family members for your success.’ He wished all of you a bright future ahead.
The state government has laid much emphasis on the creation and expansion of medical colleges in the state.
In the past 6 years, the state has established 8 new medical colleges at Koraput, Baripada, Balasore, Bolangir, Puri, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, and Kalahandi, and 2 new postgraduate institutes (AHPGIC, Cuttack, and PGIMER & Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar).
In 2024–25, it is planned to make the Jajati Keshari Medical College and Hospital at Jajpur functional, followed by government medical colleges at Phulbani and Talcher.
Speaking on the occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Niranjan Pujari said more than 300 assistant professors have been appointed in recent years.
Following the vision of the Chief Minister, the state is making rapid progress in providing quality healthcare to people completely free of charge.
