Bhubaneswar, 7/1 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has initiated a transformative overhaul of the state’s healthcare sector, announcing a series of pivotal decisions aimed at bolstering infrastructure, enhancing medical expertise, and integrating traditional medicine systems| These significant announcements followed a high-level review meeting of various programmes under the Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department, held in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday|
A cornerstone of the new strategy is the pilot implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) in Kendujhar district| This ambitious project seeks to establish a robust digital health ecosystem, enabling citizens to leverage unique Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs for secure access and sharing of their health records| The initiative is expected to significantly reduce patient waiting times and ensure optimal utilisation of existing healthcare infrastructure across the state| Under ABDM, essential services such as appointment booking, referrals, and follow-ups will be streamlined through digital platforms, fostering seamless connectivity between patients, doctors, laboratories, and pharmacies|
In a major stride towards strengthening medical education and specialisation at the grassroots level, CM Majhi also declared the introduction of Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses at all District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs)| This move is designed to empower doctors with advanced practical and clinical training, allowing them to pursue specialisation while continuing to serve within their respective districts| The government anticipates that this will not only enhance the skills and expertise of medical professionals but also address the shortage of specialists in rural areas|
Further emphasising a holistic approach to public health, the Chief Minister directed a significant push for the prioritisation and strengthening of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) services across Odisha| As part of this directive, AYUSH doctors will now exclusively prescribe Ayurvedic medicines, refraining from allopathic drugs| To ensure wider accessibility, Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines will be made readily available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs throughout the state|
The crucial review meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhawan, saw the participation of key officials including Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr| Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Principal Secretary to the CM Saswata Mishra, Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shalini Pandit, and National Health Mission Director Brundha D, among other senior functionaries| These comprehensive initiatives underscore the state government’s unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive, efficient, and accessible healthcare framework for all citizens of Odisha|
