Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday reviewed key programmes and infrastructure projects of the Health and Family Welfare Department at Lok Seva Bhawan, with a strong focus on upgrading major government medical colleges across Odisha.
During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on the redevelopment of Shri Ramachandra Bhanj (SCB) Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Describing it as the largest medical college in the state that receives thousands of patients and attendants every day, the Chief Minister said the state government has set a clear goal of transforming SCB into a world-class medical institution.
To address parking congestion on the campus, officials informed the Chief Minister that a multi-level parking facility with 17 floors (G+16) will be constructed over 6.51 acres. The facility will cater to patients and attendants visiting both SCB Medical College and Acharya Harihar Cancer Hospital. Up to 12 floors of the building will be earmarked exclusively for parking, while the remaining floors will house the administrative block, anatomy block, and B. Pharma and D. Pharma colleges, among other facilities.
The redevelopment plan also includes indoor games and swimming pool facilities to help medical students remain stress-free, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Chief Minister directed the department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) at the earliest.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of 13 housing towers being constructed near SCB Medical College, which will provide 672 residential units along with hostel accommodation for 2,244 students. The Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the construction and ensure early completion.
Further discussions were held on the redevelopment of government medical colleges at Berhampur and Burla.
Reviewing the status of the Panikoili Trauma Care Centre, the Chief Minister advised that it be made operational at the earliest through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. He said priority should be given to Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) with experience in hospital management, while involving the private sector if required.
The meeting also deliberated on the construction of rest houses for patient attendants on the campuses of government medical colleges at Cuttack, Brahmapur, Burla, Sundargarh, Koraput, Baripada and Balangir.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S., National Health Mission Director Dr Brunda D, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.
