Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a newly built 650-bed hospital at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Koraput today, with an investment of Rs 280 crore.

During the event, the Chief Minister announced that construction on the six-lane Jaipur–Berhampur–Bhubaneswar Economic Corridor will begin shortly.

The CM also stated that all vacant healthcare positions at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital will be filled without delay. While addressing the audience, he expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the residents of Koraput will no longer need to travel long distances for medical care. This facility will cater not only to Koraput but also to the neighboring districts of Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and adjacent areas of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, providing advanced medical services under one roof.

Majhi stressed that it is the state’s duty to deliver development alongside governance free from corruption. Since taking office, his administration has focused on enhancing the quality of education and healthcare. The long-standing vacancies in the health sector are being addressed as a priority. Odisha currently has 12 government medical colleges, with plans to establish new institutions in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur soon.

The new hospital features state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, including CT scans, dialysis, mammography, and a dedicated oxygen plant to ensure a continuous supply for critical patients. Additionally, a separate cancer treatment hospital is under construction on two acres within the campus, with a budget of Rs 41.15 crore.

Emphasizing healthcare coverage in the state, the CM pointed out that Odisha has rolled out the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) along with the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY). Collectively, these initiatives benefit 3.46 crore individuals — approximately 80% of the state’s population.

To date, approximately 3.91 lakh beneficiaries have received treatment valued at Rs 900 crore through these programs. Furthermore, under the Ayushman Bayo Bandana Yojana, 8,644 senior citizens aged over 70 have been granted medical benefits totaling Rs 35.6 crore.

In Koraput district alone, 3,547 AB PMJAY–BSKY cards have been issued, and 9,006 beneficiaries are registered under Ayushman Bayo Bandana. Four private hospitals in the district have been empanelled under AB PMJAY–BSKY to offer cashless healthcare.

Majhi emphasized that within just one year, the government has made remarkable strides across various sectors, which will be further accelerated. “This is the people’s government,” he stated, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to making Odisha prosperous by 2036 and contributing to a developed India by 2047. The government aims to initiate a new era in education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, job creation, and sustained economic growth throughout the state, with Koraput included in this development initiative.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling characterized the inauguration as a historic milestone in Koraput’s healthcare evolution. He mentioned that the state is establishing patient-centric services with enhanced infrastructure in hospitals and health centers, ensuring balanced regional development.

During the event, the Chief Minister provided financial assistance to beneficiaries under the AB PMJAY–BSKY and Ayushman Bayo Bandana schemes.

The event was graced by Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Lakshmipur MLA Pavitra Sauta, Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, Koraput District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan, along with other esteemed guests. Koraput MLA Raghuram Mach delivered the opening remarks, and Jaipur MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati extended the vote of thanks.