Keonjhar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a number of development projects worth Rs 4,703 crore and inaugurated a medical college and hospital during his visit to Odisha’s Keonjhar on Monday.
He also gave away Rs 378 crore monetary assistance in the form of interest free loans to 14,372 women self-help groups (SHGs) in the district.
The Chief Minister, who inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 259 different projects, scripted a glorious chapter in healthcare services in the district by dedicating Dharanidhar Medical College and Hospital (MCH) in Keonjhar.
While foundation stones were laid for 138 projects worth over Rs 1103, Naveen inaugurated 98 projects implemented at an investment of Rs 868 crore. He announced 23 new projects worth around Rs 2731 crore.
With the inauguration of Dharanidhar Medical College and Hospital, people of the district will be able to avail advanced healthcare services in the state-run facility, which is an initiative under the 5T initiative of the Odisha government.
Set up over an area of 44 acre land at an investment of Rs 480 crore, the medical college presently has 22 departments with strength of 55 teaching faculties and 28 senior residents and tutors, sources said.
Total 100 students from different states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha have been admitted to the Medical College in the first batch for the academic session 2022-23. Of total students, 39 belong to state government schools in Odisha.
The Chief Minister announced that work will soon start for the establishment of a cancer hospital and a nursing college in Keonjhar for which infrastructure facilities have been provided.
During the programme, students also shared their experiences with the Chief Minister an interactive session.
In his address to the people of Keonjhar, the Chief Minister said that farmers, women and youths are three major pillars to play a significant role for the development of the state.
Naveen began his speech with ‘Jai Maa Tarini’ and concluded with a call to ‘Trishakti’ to play a vital role in Odisha’s progress.
“Farmers, women and youths represent ‘Trishakti’ who will usher change to fulfill the dream of a developed state,” the Chief Minister said.
