Bhubaneswar: Having already announced plans to set up medical colleges in all the 30 districts of the state, the Odisha government on Monday stated that necessary steps are being taken to fill up the vacant posts of doctors.
Stating this in the state Assembly, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling it is also important fill up the vacant posts of doctors while setting up medical colleges in all districts.
Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had in September announced the government’s plan to open a medical college in each of the state’s 30 districts. Speaking at the annual conference of the Odisha Medical Service Association (OMSA) in Balasore, the CM had also emphasised the priority of filling vacant doctor positions across the state.
The Health Minister informed the House that the government has made a couple of amendments in the medical recruitment process which have also got the consent from the Chief Minister.
While the advertisement process for the recruitment of 5,000 doctors will commence soon, the recruitment process for the 3,000 vacant paramedical staff posts will also start.
“All the 30 districts in the State will have medical colleges. We are committed to the promises mentioned in our poll manifesto,” he said.
The Minister further stated that the state government is spending Rs 250-300 crore for every 100-bed medical college established after 2014.
It may be noted that as many as 5,014 doctor positions, including 1,114 posts meant for specialists, are lying vacant in the State. At least 375 community health centres in 30 districts are operating without any doctors.
Ganjam district is facing the most severe shortfall, with 450 vacancies, followed closely by 309 vacancies in Mayurbhanj.
