Bhubaneswar, 7 May (H.S.)– Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today attended the Annual Function of the Student Parliament at Dr. Abhinachandra Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar as the Chief Guest. On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone for a new Emergency Unit and announced the establishment of a Homoeopathic Research and Analysis Department within the college. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a blood donation camp during the event.

In his address, the Chief Minister praised the significant contributions of the college in expanding homoeopathic education and increasing its popularity across the state. He noted that the college is not only a premier institution in Odisha but also holds a place of prominence in the field of homoeopathic education, research, and training across India. For over 56 years, the college has consistently produced well-qualified and renowned homoeopathic doctors.

Highlighting a unique feature of the institution, the Chief Minister pointed out that the college also operates a homoeopathic medicine manufacturing unit, which supplies medicines to various hospitals — an initiative he described as highly commendable.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, he mentioned that approximately 15% of India’s AYUSH economy is driven by the homoeopathic system of medicine. Currently, Odisha has four government homoeopathic medical colleges and hospitals, including this institution, and 562 government-run homoeopathic dispensaries.

To further strengthen AYUSH healthcare, the state government has decided to establish three Integrated AYUSH Hospitals in Dhenkanal, Berhampur, and Balasore, the Chief Minister announced.

He also emphasized the state’s focus on health by allocating ₹23,635 crore in the current budget for the healthcare sector, representing more than 8% of the total state budget. He stated that under his government, schemes such as Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana have been effectively implemented in Odisha, benefiting over 1 crore citizens, who can now access treatment in more than 29,000 government and private hospitals across India.

Joining the event, Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the pivotal role of homoeopathic medicine in the healthcare system and applauded the students of Dr. Abhinachandra College for promoting this authentic and people-friendly treatment method. He further expressed confidence in the double-engine government (State and Centre working together) to surpass the set developmental targets in healthcare.

The event was also attended by Bhubaneswar (Ekamra) MLA Shri Babu Singh, Health Secretary Smt. Ashwathi S, Padma Shri awardee Dr. Ashok Mahapatra, keynote speaker Dr. L.K. Nanda, College Principal Dr. Pushpanjali Patra, Student Parliament President Shri Lipak Mahapatra, and General Secretary Shri Soumya Darshan Swain, who delivered the vote of thanks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda