Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to establish three integrated AYUSH hospitals in Dhenkanal, Berhampur, and Balasore, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister made the announcement during his address as the chief guest at the annual function of the Students’ Union of Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital in Bhubaneswar.
During the event, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for a new Emergency Unit at the college and declared the establishment of a Homoeopathic Research & Analysis Department to bolster research in the field. He also inaugurated a blood donation camp, emphasizing the state’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services.
Highlighting the significance of homoeopathy, Majhi noted that Dr. Abhin Chandra Homoeopathic Medical College has been a cornerstone in promoting homoeopathic education and treatment in Odisha for 56 years.
“This institution is not only a leader in the state but also a significant contributor to homoeopathic education, research, and training nationwide,” he said. The college’s unique feature of operating a homoeopathic medicine manufacturing unit, which supplies medicines to various hospitals, was lauded as a commendable initiative.
The Chief Minister further elaborated on the state’s healthcare advancements, stating that approximately 15 percent of India’s AYUSH economy is driven by homoeopathy.
Odisha currently has four government homoeopathic colleges and hospitals, including Dr. Abhin Chandra, alongside 562 government homoeopathic dispensaries.
To strengthen the healthcare sector, the state government has allocated ₹23,635 crore in the budget, accounting for over 8 percent of the total state budget.
Majhi highlighted the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which enables over one crore people in Odisha to access treatment at 29,000 government and private hospitals across India.
Health & Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, also present at the event, underscored the vital role of homoeopathy in healthcare and praised the college’s students for making the treatment method more accessible to the public. He expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the state and central governments would surpass healthcare goals in Odisha.
The event saw participation from Ekamra Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Health & Family Welfare Aswathy S, Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Mahapatra, and keynote speaker Dr. L.K. Nanda.
The college principal, Dr. Pushpanjali Patra, delivered the welcome address, while Students’ Union president Lipak Mahapatra presented a report, and general secretary Soumya Darshan Swain proposed the vote of thanks.
