CM opens med college & hospital in Kandhamal; inaugurates projects worth over Rs 970cr in 2 dists

Berhampur/Bhubaneswar: A state-of-the-art medical college and hospital was inaugurated by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Kandhamal district on Saturday, fulfilling a long-standing demand of locals. The 100-seat medical college and 650-bed hospital, built at a cost of over Rs 600 crore, is located at Tilakpada near Phulbani.Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CM Majhi emphasised that the facility would provide quality healthcare services to residents of Kandhamal and neighbouring districts like Boudh, Nayagarh and Kalahandi.A govt officer said the medical college hopes to start admission from this year, subject to approval from the National Medical Commission. The 650-bed facility is an upgrade of the existing district headquarters hospital, which would now be attached to the medical college. It had 420 beds earlier.The CM highlighted his govt's commitment to healthcare, noting that the current allocation of Rs 23,635 crore for the health sector represents 8.2% of the total budget — the highest ever in the state's history."Within the next year, we will address the doctor shortages across the state, ensuring adequate medical staff at every hospital," Majhi said. He added that around 3.50 crore people would benefit from the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), integrated with the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, covering 29,000 private hospitals statewide.Taking aim at the previous BJD govt, Majhi criticised its failure to implement the Ayushman Yojana and alleged neglect of healthcare infrastructure over the past 24 years.During his first visit to Kandhamal as CM, Majhi also inaugurated five projects worth Rs 655 crore and laid foundation stones for five additional projects valued at Rs 94 crore. These initiatives span various sectors including water supply, education, healthcare, infrastructure and tourism.The govt plans to establish industries in every district, including Kandhamal, to boost employment opportunities. Additionally, Rs 18 crore has been allocated for developing Daringbadi as a tourist destination, with Rs 4.50 crore earmarked for the Putudi waterfall project.The inauguration ceremony was attended by health minister Mukesh Mahaling, Kandhamal MP Sukant Panigrahy, and Phulbani MLA Uma Charan Mallick, among others.Later, the CM visited Subarnapur district, where he launched 56 development projects worth Rs 323 crore.The projects included 11 completed initiatives valued at Rs 80 crore and foundation stones for 45 projects worth Rs 244 crore, encompassing road construction, irrigation facilities, bridges, healthcare infrastructure and hostels.Majhi announced plans to construct four riverbed reservoirs (ISS) on the Mahanadi at Godhaneswar, Khairmal (Birmaharajpur block), Harihar Jor (Ulunda), and Surubali (Birmaharajpur)."Subarnapur will be transformed into a golden region. Our govt has already implemented 11 out of 21 promised programmes within a year. We will continue to support the district's development without any obstacles," Majhi told a public gathering.The CM highlighted Subarnapur's rich cultural heritage, particularly noting its association with Sant Kabi Bhima Bhoi and its contributions to literature, history and traditional crafts.MP (Balangir) Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, who attended the event, praised the state govt's efforts in developing backward regions and acknowledged the central govt's support for infrastructure development.During the programme, Majhi also distributed work orders and assistance to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes. The initiative is part of govt's broader strategy to accelerate development in Subarnapur, with a particular focus on harnessing its river resources for regional prosperity.