Odisha Government to Establish Nine New Medical Colleges to Boost Healthcare and Education

 A Major Leap in Odisha’s Healthcare Infrastructure

In a significant stride toward strengthening healthcare education and accessibility, the Odisha government has announced the establishment of nine new medical colleges across the state. The announcement was made by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling during the Healthcare Summit 2025, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The initiative aims to address the shortage of medical professionals and elevate the state's healthcare infrastructure to new standards.

The newly proposed institutions include four MBBS colleges, four dental colleges, and one Ayurvedic medical college spread across various districts. Additionally, two new MBBS colleges in Phulbani and Talcher are set to commence classes from the current academic year.

District-Wise Expansion: Where the New Colleges Will Be Set Up

The Odisha government has strategically selected diverse regions for establishing these colleges to ensure equitable distribution of medical education facilities. As per the minister’s statement:

• MBBS Colleges will come up in:
   
  • Jagatsinghpur
  • Bhadrak
  • Dhenkanal
  • Nabarangpur
     
• Dental Colleges will be established in:
   
  • Burla
  • Berhampur
  • Bolangir
  • Keonjhar
     
• An Ayurvedic College will be set up in:
   
  • Mayurbhanj
     

This expansive initiative aligns with the government's objective of bridging regional disparities in medical education and increasing the reach of healthcare services in both urban and rural Odisha.

Immediate Additions: Two Colleges Begin This Year

Minister Mahaling also announced that two new MBBS colleges, each with 100 seats, will start functioning from the current academic year. These institutions are located in:

• Phulbani, Kandhamal district
• Talcher, Angul district
   

These colleges have received all necessary approvals and are ready to welcome the first batch of students, marking a fast-tracked implementation of the government’s long-term vision.

Strategic Support and Leadership Acknowledged

Mahaling expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for their continued support in expanding healthcare infrastructure in the state. He credited their leadership for enabling this rapid educational expansion and providing necessary clearances and financial backing to make the vision a reality.

Recruitment to Match Expansion: Over 9,000 Jobs in Two Years

Complementing the institutional growth, the Health Minister highlighted the government’s proactive approach toward medical personnel recruitment. In 2024, the Odisha government recruited over 4,000 doctors and paramedical staff across various hospitals and primary health centers.

Looking forward, the government plans to recruit more than 5,000 additional healthcare professionals in 2025. This hiring spree aims to ensure that newly established and existing institutions are well-staffed and operationally efficient.

Ambitious Workforce Goals: 1.5 Lakh Vacancies to Be Filled

In one of the more ambitious declarations, Mahaling stated that the Odisha government is committed to filling 1.5 lakh vacant government posts within the next five years. This will include jobs in the health sector, education, administration, and other essential public service domains. The goal is to streamline public service delivery and reduce the administrative burden caused by staff shortages.

Focus on Public-Private Partnerships: CII’s Role in Vision Building

During the Healthcare Summit, Sunil Gupta, Chairman of the CII Odisha State Council, emphasized the growing national importance of Odisha in the healthcare sector. He advocated for robust public-private partnerships (PPP) to sustain the momentum of progress.

Gupta stated that the private sector can play a pivotal role in:

• Infrastructure development
• Medical training
• Technology adoption
• Research collaboration
   

These collaborations can foster innovative healthcare models that are both scalable and sustainable, benefiting millions across Odisha.

Meeting the Doctor-Patient Ratio: A National Priority

With India striving to meet the World Health Organization’s recommended doctor-patient ratio of 1:1000, the move to establish new medical colleges is timely. Odisha’s rural and tribal regions, in particular, have long faced doctor shortages and limited access to quality care. These new institutions are expected to:

• Train more local talent
• Encourage doctors to serve in home districts
• Reduce dependency on doctors from other states
   

Additionally, by increasing the number of medical and dental seats, Odisha will also contribute more trained professionals to India’s healthcare system at large.

Ayurveda and Dental Education: Promoting Diverse Medical Systems

Odisha’s plan also highlights its commitment to diversifying healthcare education. With four new dental colleges and an Ayurvedic institute, the government recognizes the value of holistic healthcare approaches. These colleges will provide formal education in traditional systems while maintaining academic rigor aligned with modern healthcare needs.

The Ayurvedic college in Mayurbhanj will also cater to the increasing interest in alternative medicine, which has gained prominence post-COVID due to its focus on immunity and wellness.

Conclusion: A Visionary Step for Odisha’s Medical Landscape

The Odisha government’s plan to establish nine new medical colleges is not just a response to current shortages—it is a visionary move to future-proof the state’s healthcare ecosystem. By expanding access to medical education, accelerating recruitment, and embracing public-private collaboration, Odisha is paving the way for a healthier, better-trained, and more resilient population.