Bhubaneswar: A high-level sectoral session on Health, Pharma, and Biotechnology was held at the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, focusing on the theme “Universal Health and Wellness in Odisha.”
Krushna Chandra Patra, the Food Supply & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology Minister, highlighted that the State Government, with the support of the Union Government, is creating an environment conducive to biotechnology innovation and business development, aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Odisha’s people.
He informed that the Odisha Biotechnology Policy 2024 has been introduced to prioritize both basic and applied research, along with technological innovation, through encouraging collaboration between industry, academia, and society.
Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Health & Family Welfare, PA, E & IT Minister, stated that Utkarsh Odisha is the ideal platform to showcase the state’s limitless opportunities and aspirations. He expressed that Odisha is rapidly emerging as a hub for innovation and investment and invited private sector players to collaborate with the state to realize the vision of Utkarsha Odisha – 2036, focusing on transforming the lives of millions.
He further emphasized Odisha’s commitment to expanding super-specialty hospitals, multi-disciplinary healthcare facilities, and promoting the indigenous production of affordable medicines, vaccines, and medical devices.
A panel discussion on “Skilling in the Health Sector for Utkarsh Odisha – 2036” featured experts like Dr. Manash Ranjan Sahoo, Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Health Sciences; Prof. Saroj Kanta Mishra; Dr. Amulya Panda; and Prof. Arun Kumar Das. They discussed strategies to position Odisha as a leader in healthcare, pharma, and biotechnology.
The government of Odisha is making significant strides in medical education, with 12 functional medical colleges, and plans to establish two more. Additionally, there are 8 operational nursing colleges, with 7 more in the pipeline.
Odisha is also one of the few states offering dialysis services at sub-divisional hospitals and populous Community Health Centers (CHCs).
Plans are underway to recruit 5,000 doctors and 1,200 nurses to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
Nine leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have shown interest in investing a total of INR 4,349 crores in Odisha:
- Indo European Heart Hospitals and Research Institute Pvt Ltd – INR 1,200 Cr
- Indo European Research and Health Care Pvt Ltd – INR 600 Cr
- Monad Life Solutions Pvt Ltd – INR 5 Cr
- Gloport Photonix Innovations Pvt Ltd – INR 200 Cr
- Vikash Residential Institutions Pvt Ltd – INR 544 Cr
- Emsurg Group of Companies – INR 200 Cr
- Onlyhealth Pvt Ltd – INR 100 Cr
- J-VPD Diagnostics Pvt Ltd – INR 500 Cr
- SUM Odisha – INR 1,000 Cr
These investments will accelerate Odisha’s progress in modern healthcare, pharma, and biotechnology manufacturing, aligning with the vision of Vikasit Odisha 2036.
Chithra Arumugam, Principal Secretary of the Science & Technology Department, delivered the welcome address, while Aswathy S., Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, delivered the vote of thanks.
With a strong policy framework, infrastructure expansion, and a favorable investment climate, Odisha is well on its way to becoming a national leader in healthcare and biotechnology.
