Bhubaneswar: Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha, on Friday asked the State Health Departments to work closely with public representatives to maximise the impact of public health campaigns and policies.
He cited the example of Puri MP Sambit Patra, who before becoming a lawmaker was a doctor. “Patra’s experience underscores the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals and lawmakers in driving effective public health initiatives,” he said.
While inaugurating the 9th national summit on Good and Replicable Practices and Innovation in Public Healthcare System in India being held in Odisha’s Puri, Nadda also praised Odisha for its impressive progress in key health indicators. “There was a time when we used to hear a lot of things about Odisha that it lacked in several aspects. But the scenario has changed now. The maternal and infant mortality rate in the state has now declined considerably,” he said.
Also Read: Union Minister J P Nadda Lauds Odisha For Sharp Decline In MMR & IMR
He attributed it to the tireless efforts of grassroots workers and community health workers.
The Union Health Minister further stated that India will meet the target of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) from the country by the end of this year, five years ahead of the global target.
“We have already identified 5 lakh TB patients during the ongoing 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign in 455 districts across the country. An extensive campaign is going on. We are going to include all aspirational districts and aspirational blocks under the campaign so that we will be able to eliminate tuberculosis by the end of 2025,” he said.
As per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), India has to eliminate TB by 2030.
“India is steadfast in its commitment to revolutionising the healthcare system by focusing on preventive, promotive, and comprehensive measures. These measures are not only aimed at eradicating health challenges but also at enhancing the capacity of healthcare personnel, starting from grassroots workers like the dedicated ASHA workers,” he said.
Mohan Majhi Pushes For Healthier & Equitable Odisha
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that his government is committed to to build a healthier and more equitable future for all its citizens in consonance with the mission spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The blessings of Lord Jagannath would help the state achieve success in its ongoing health initiatives and accelerate progress towards the realization of national healthcare goals,” he said.
Highlighting the recent appointment of 3,537 health personnel across the state, he informed about plans to fill up 5,000 doctor vacancies. “Eight new nursing colleges will be opened to strengthen the healthcare workforce. Two new medical colleges will be opened shortly in Phulbani and Angul, during the next academic year, 2025-26. Four more dental colleges will also be opened in the near future,” he said.
He termed implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana alongside the Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana, enabling citizens to access affordable and quality healthcare services at 29,000 empanelled government and private hospitals across the nation, as a significant milestone in Odisha’s healthcare journey. “This initiative will benefit all citizens, including migrant workers, and strengthen the state’s health and economic ecosystem by linking Odisha to the national healthcare system,” he said.
The CM further stated that 7358 Urban & Rural PHC & Sub Centres will be converted as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. “New buildings for 1338 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs will be constructed in the next financial year. Our vision for Sustha Odisha is inspired by the timeless Sanskrit verse, ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu’ – may all be happy, may all be free from illness,” he said.
Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling spoke on improved healthcare outcomes. “The increase in institutional deliveries, the declining Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and the consistent reduction in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) are all testament to our dedicated efforts. With Odisha achieving the first rank in full immunisation coverage, at 90.5%, we are on the path to ensuring the health of every citizen is prioritized,” he said.
“Our Odisha Cancer Care Programme ensures that chemotherapy is available to cancer patients across 32 centers in district headquarters hospitals, offering essential treatment services to those in need,” he added.
