Second AIIMS to come up in Sambhalpur: Odisha Health Minister
Bhubaneswar: In a major enhancement to healthcare infrastructure in Odisha, the state government has announced plans to establish a second All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Sambalpur. This announcement, made by Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahalinga on Monday, represents a crucial advancement in improving medical care and services across the region.
Emphasizing the government's commitment to delivering quality healthcare to all, Mahalinga announced that a second All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is planned for Sambalpur. Discussions with the Central Government on this initiative will take place soon.
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“Following the Supreme Court’s directive, we have established a task force under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to ensure the safety of doctors. This task force will concentrate on securing the well-being of working doctors. Our government is dedicated to their safety, and to this end, we are planning to set up a police outpost in each medical college,” the Health Minister said, as reported by Ommcom News. This statement was made in response to the incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Mahaling informed that, as part of the government’s commitment to affordable healthcare, free dialysis programs will be implemented at 55 health centres across the state.
To ensure quicker access to emergency medical services, the Health Minister announced that the ambulance arrival time will be reduced from 30 minutes to 20 minutes.
The Veer Surendra Sai Divya Drishti program, launched by the Odisha government, is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare facilities to the people.
According to the Health Minister's announcement, new medical colleges will be established in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Puri, and Jajpur, along with new nursing colleges, to address the shortage of medical professionals. This announcement by the State Health Minister marks a significant step towards enhancing medical care and services across the region.
With 27,000 hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, as announced by the Minister, the government will also establish Ayushmann Arogya Mandirs in all gram panchayat headquarters, where yoga instructors and medical staff will be provided.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce digital health services, enabling people to access medical facilities remotely. This initiative represents a commitment to equitable healthcare access and underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of its citizens.
The Health Minister stated that the state government plans to recruit 300 doctors and paramedical staff to address the shortage of medical professionals. Furthermore, the Odisha Health University will be fully operational, offering medical and engineering courses in Odia.
The establishment of a second AIIMS in Sambalpur represents a significant milestone for Odisha’s healthcare system. This initiative is expected to enhance medical services, promote research, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the region.
Also Read: Odisha CM urges Centre to Establish 2nd AIIMS at Sundargarh
