Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art 650-bed hospital at the Saheed Laxman Naik Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput, built at an estimated cost of Rs 280 crore. The facility aims to significantly strengthen healthcare delivery in the tribal-dominated region and its neighboring districts.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also announced the upcoming construction of the Jeypore–Brahmapur–Bhubaneswar Economic Corridor, a six-lane expressway that is expected to boost connectivity and economic activity in southern Odisha.
CM Majhi assured that all vacant healthcare positions at SLNMCH will be filled on a priority basis.
“Our goal is to ensure that no one from Koraput has to travel far for medical treatment,” he said. The facility will cater to patients from Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and bordering areas of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic services including CT scan, dialysis, and mammography. An independent oxygen plant is being set up to meet critical care demands. A cancer hospital is also under construction on two acres of adjacent land with a government investment of Rs 41.15 crore.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening public health infrastructure.
“We are working towards corruption-free development, with special emphasis on education and healthcare,” he said. “Four new government medical colleges will soon come up in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur.”
Currently, Odisha has 12 government medical colleges, with more in the pipeline.
The state has effectively implemented Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), covering nearly 80% of the population. So far, healthcare services worth Rs 900 crore have been provided to over 3.91 lakh beneficiaries.
Additionally, under the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, 8,644 senior citizens aged above 70 have received free treatment worth Rs 35.60 crore. In Koraput district alone, 3,00,547 AB-PMJAY-GJAY cards have been distributed, with 9,006 individuals enrolled under the senior citizens’ scheme.
Four private hospitals in Koraput are empaneled under the AB-PMJAY-GJAY, enabling local access to cashless treatment.
“People of Koraput are now entitled to free treatment in over 29,000 empaneled private hospitals nationwide,” said Majhi. “Each family is eligible for Rs 5 lakh annually, with an additional Rs 5 lakh allocated for female family members.”
The CM stressed that Odisha is entering a new phase of development, with significant progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, and employment.
“This is a government of the people. By 2036, Odisha will be a prosperous state contributing actively to the vision of a developed India by 2047,” he said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling said the hospital marks a new chapter in the healthcare history of undivided Koraput district.
“A patient-centric healthcare system is being developed across all levels. Modernisation of hospitals is underway and we are committed to balanced regional development,” he said.
During the event, financial assistance was distributed to several beneficiaries under the AB-PMJAY, GJAY, and Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana.
Among those present were Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Laxmipur MLA Pabitra Saunta, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, and District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan. Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha formally welcomed dignitaries, while Jeypore MLA Tara Prasada Bahinipati delivered the vote of thanks.
