Bhubaneswar, 10 August (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated a state-of-the-art 650-bed hospital at Shaheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Koraput, built at a cost of ₹280 crore.
During the event, the Chief Minister announced that the six-lane Jaipur–Brahmapur–Bhubaneswar Economic Corridor will be constructed soon. He further assured that all vacant healthcare service positions at the hospital will be filled promptly.
Addressing the gathering, Majhi said that residents of Koraput will no longer need to travel to distant cities for medical treatment, as the state government is taking every necessary step to ensure accessible healthcare. The new facility will benefit people not only from Koraput but also from Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The hospital will be equipped with advanced medical infrastructure, including CT scan, dialysis, and mammography services. An independent oxygen plant is being set up to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply for critical patients.
The Chief Minister also announced the construction of a dedicated cancer treatment hospital on an adjacent 2-acre plot, with a budget allocation of ₹41.15 crore.
Majhi emphasised that his government is committed to development and corruption-free governance, with education and healthcare given top priority. Since taking office, the government has focused on filling long-vacant healthcare positions and improving service quality. Currently, Odisha has 12 government medical colleges, with plans to establish four more in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur.
Highlighting the state’s healthcare coverage, Majhi said that the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has been implemented in Odisha, working alongside the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana to provide medical benefits to 80% of the state’s population—approximately 3.46 crore people. Under these schemes, 3.91 lakh beneficiaries have received medical care worth ₹900 crore, while 8,644 senior citizens aged over 70 have benefited from the Ayushman Bayovandana Yojana with medical assistance worth ₹35.6 crore.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Laxmipur MLA Pavitra Sawnta, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, and Koraput District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan. The formal welcome address was delivered by Koraput MLA Raghuram Mach, and the vote of thanks was presented by Jeypore MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
