Bhubaneswar, 04 August (H.S.): The Odisha government’s Department of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 10 leading institutions at a programme held in the conference hall of Kharavela Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. State Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling attended the event.

Under these collaborations, free treatment for children suffering from heart diseases will be provided with the support of Amrita Hospital. Sevadan Arogya Foundation will construct ‘rest houses’ for attendants of patients at six medical colleges across the state. Additionally, modern drug storage warehouses will be established in all 30 districts in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Further initiatives include promotion of Ayurvedic research through the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), encouragement of innovation and startups in the healthcare sector through I-HUB Gujarat, and efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality under ‘Project Swasthya’ by Tata Steel and Kaivalya Foundation. The Quality Council of India (QCI) will facilitate NABL accreditation for laboratories in district headquarters hospitals.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahaling said the state government is committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed India.” He emphasised that ensuring accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services for all citizens remains a top priority.

The programme was attended by the Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Mission Director of National Health Mission (Odisha), senior officials of the partner institutions, and other departmental officers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda