Bhubaneswar,19th Aug 2025: The state is set to witness a transformational change in healthcare services. The Capital Hospital will now receive recognition as a medical college. Development plans worth ₹6,500 crore have been prepared for hospitals in Capital Hospital, Burla, Cuttack, Brahmapur, and Rourkela. According to IPHS (Indian Public Health Standards) guidelines, hospital beds should be available in proportion to the population. Currently, the Capital Hospital has 17,000 beds, which will increase significantly over the next five years.
Bed Capacity to Double in Five Years
Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling stated that an additional 17,000 beds will be added over the next five years. Under schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Ayushman Vayo Bandhana, around 3.5 crore people in Odisha have been enrolled for health services. Even those without a card can access treatment, as services are linked with Aadhaar. By 28th July, 1.3 crore health cards were distributed.
For the current academic year, arrangements have been made for 200 MBBS seats at Phulbani and Talcher medical colleges. Efforts have also begun to increase PG seats by 100.
Medical Colleges Across Districts
In the 2025-26 budget, medical college arrangements have been made for Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal, and Nabarangpur. In Mayurbhanj, an Ayurveda medical college will be established. Each panchayat will have an Ayushman Arogya Mandir (health center). Out of 6,783 panchayats, 5,500 now have functional centers. Teachers have been appointed, and 120 types of medicines along with 16 diagnostic tests are available, according to Minister Dr. Mahaling.