Odisha to Open Medical Colleges in All 30 Districts: Recruitment of 8,000 Healthcare Professionals Announced
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| Odisha to Open Medical Colleges in All 30 Districts |
Odisha to Establish Medical Colleges in All 30 Districts; Massive Recruitment Drive Announced
Bhadrak to Get a Medical College Soon
The Odisha government is set to revolutionize healthcare by establishing medical colleges in all 30 districts, including Bhadrak. Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling made this announcement in the State Legislative Assembly, emphasizing the state's commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and fulfilling its election manifesto promises.
Recruitment Drive: 8,000 Posts to Be Filled
To address the acute shortage of medical staff, the government will soon initiate a recruitment process to fill 5,000 doctor posts and 3,000 paramedical positions. “The advertisement process for recruitment has been approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and the drive will commence shortly,” said Mahaling. These efforts aim to address the severe shortage of medical personnel, particularly in rural areas.
Existing Vacancies in Odisha's Healthcare Sector
Currently, 5,014 doctor positions, including 1,114 specialist posts, remain vacant across Odisha. The situation is particularly dire in the state's 375 community health centers (CHCs), where 65% of sanctioned posts are unfilled. Ganjam district is the worst affected, with 450 vacancies, followed by Mayurbhanj with 309 vacancies.
The shortage of specialist doctors is equally concerning, with only 386 specialists working against 1,500 sanctioned positions in CHCs. Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, Sundargarh, and Koraput districts report the highest number of specialist vacancies.
Budget Allocation and Infrastructure Development
The establishment of each 100-bed medical college post-2014 costs Rs. 250-300 crore, a significant investment aimed at boosting the state's healthcare infrastructure. Minister Mahaling highlighted that 60% of the funding for new medical colleges will be provided by the central government, with the remaining share contributed by the state.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges
During the assembly session, legislators from various parties raised concerns about the current state of government-run hospitals and CHCs. Highlighting issues such as understaffing and inadequate infrastructure, they urged the government to address these challenges promptly.
Responding to these concerns, Mahaling assured that the government is committed to resolving the issues and ensuring robust healthcare facilities across the state. He stated, “We will not only increase the number of medical colleges but also focus on recruiting the necessary manpower and arranging essential infrastructure.”
Roadmap for a Healthier Odisha
The state government’s ambitious plan underscores its commitment to creating a healthy and prosperous Odisha. By bridging the gaps in healthcare infrastructure and staffing, the initiative aims to bring quality medical services to the state's rural and urban populations alike.
As Odisha prepares to implement this transformative vision, the recruitment drive and establishment of medical colleges are expected to provide a significant boost to employment opportunities and the overall healthcare system.
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