TNI Bureau: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed various programmes and ongoing projects of the Health and Family Welfare Department at Lok Seva Bhawan.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the redevelopment of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, the largest medical institution in the state, which receives thousands of patients and attendants daily. The state government aims to develop SCB into a world-class medical institution, with special focus on improving infrastructure and parking facilities.

It was informed that a 17-storey (G+16) multi-level parking facility will be developed over an area of 6.51 acres at SCB Medical College. The parking facility will cater to patients and attendants of both SCB Medical College and Acharya Harihar Cancer Hospital. Parking space will be available up to 12 floors, while the remaining floors will house administrative offices, the Anatomy block, and B.Pharm and D.Pharm colleges.

To reduce stress among medical students, indoor games and swimming pool facilities will also be developed, in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020. The Chief Minister directed the department to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the construction of 13 housing towers near SCB Medical College, which will include 672 residential units and hostel facilities for 2,244 students. He directed officials to ensure early completion of the project. Redevelopment works of Berhampur and Burla Medical Colleges were also discussed.

To make the Panikoili Trauma Care Centre operational at the earliest, the Chief Minister suggested developing it under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, giving priority to central government PSUs with experience in hospital management, while allowing private sector participation if required.

The meeting further discussed the construction of rest houses for attendants within the campuses of government medical colleges located at Cuttack, Berhampur, Burla, Sundargarh, Koraput, Baripada and Balangir.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathy S., National Health Mission Director Dr Brunda D., and other senior officials were present at the meeting.