In a decisive move to reinforce Odisha’s public-health infrastructure, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting of the State Health and Family Welfare Department, focusing on the urgent need to fill long-standing vacancies in medical colleges and hospitals.
Massive Recruitment Drive Announced
Majhi directed officials to expedite the recruitment of nearly 1,840 doctors and medical officers along with over 5,000 paramedical staff. The Chief Minister emphasised that these appointments would significantly ease the shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in underserved and remote regions.
Focus on Tribal and Remote Districts
Acknowledging the unique challenges of tribal-dominated areas, Majhi insisted on ensuring adequate supply of medical officers across every corner of Odisha. He instructed departments to prioritise deployment in remote pockets, stressing that equitable healthcare access for indigenous communities cannot be compromised.
Addressing Faculty Shortage in Medical Colleges
The Chief Minister also flagged the shortage of faculty in state medical colleges. He urged urgent action to recruit assistant, associate, and full professors, noting that the quality of medical education—and the training of future healthcare workers—depends on filling these positions promptly.
Plans for Trauma-Care Centres and Incentives
Majhi outlined plans to establish integrated trauma-care centres in accident-prone regions to provide specialised emergency services. To address the reluctance of doctors to work in hard-to-reach areas, he proposed enhanced incentive packages to make such postings more attractive.
Inclusion of AYUSH and Broader Health Agenda
The discussions extended beyond allopathy, with Majhi directing attention to Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) practitioners. Other agenda items included addressing doctors’ grievances, finalising compensation plans, and exploring an increase in medical education seats to meet future demand.
Coordinated Government Effort
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja were present at the meeting, reflecting the government’s unified approach to strengthening healthcare. Majhi instructed the Chief Secretary to act swiftly to implement the decisions.
Building a Resilient and Inclusive Healthcare System
The meeting comes amid heightened scrutiny of Odisha’s healthcare disparities. Majhi’s directives underscore his government’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system—one that ensures no citizen is left behind. Recruitment and reforms are already underway, with visible results expected in the coming months.