BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday asked officials to ensure timely completion of major health infrastructure projects like revamping of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, construction of medical colleges and other healthcare projects.
During a high-level review meeting, Naveen said there should be proper coordination among departments concerned for smooth implementation of various projects aimed at boosting healthcare services.
The state government has unveiled a plan to upgrade SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack into an ‘AIIMS-plus institute’ with an objective to facilitate world-class healthcare facilities in Odisha. While around Rs 3,500 crore will be the cost, target has been set to complete the project by January 2024.
Work has started on the proposed medical colleges in Jajpur, Kandhamal and Keonjhar and construction of teaching institutes for medical colleges in Koraput and other infrastructure for medical colleges in Baripada, Balasore, Balangir and Puri, said an official statement.
The chief minister also took stock of projects like construction of district headquarters hospitals, cardiac care unit in Jharsuguda, multi-utility complex for PG students at Sishu Bhawan, Cuttack, LINAC block at Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, revamping of Capital Hospital in the city and establishment of a cancer hospital in Bargarh.
“Keeping in mind the importance of these institutions to improve the healthcare need of the state, the chief minister asked various departments involved to work in a coordinated manner for smooth implementation,” said a senior government official.
As admission in Puri medical college is likely to start from the next academic session, the chief minister inquired about recruitment of lecturers and para-medical staff and procurement of equipment.
Discussion was also held on appointment of doctors and other paramedics in periphery hospitals.
Officials of the state health and family welfare department, who attended the meeting, said Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) would soon issue notification for recruitment of over 2,000 doctors and dentists in various hospitals across the state.
Among others, the chief minister also emphasized to take steps so that more and more people could avail benefits under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, the universal healthcare scheme of the state government.