Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a new building at the Shaheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Koraput, significantly enhancing the region’s healthcare infrastructure with an additional 650 beds. Constructed at a cost of Rs 280 crore, the facility aims to provide advanced medical services to residents of Koraput and neighboring districts, including Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada, as well as parts of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

During the inauguration, Majhi emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring local access to quality healthcare, eliminating the need for residents to travel to distant cities. He announced plans to fill all vacant positions at the medical college to strengthen its operations. Additionally, a Rs 41.15 crore cancer treatment center is under construction on a two-acre site adjacent to the hospital, further expanding specialized care in the region.

The Chief Minister also outlined broader healthcare and infrastructure initiatives, including the development of a six-lane Jeypore-Berhampur-Bhubaneswar economic corridor to boost connectivity. He highlighted that Odisha currently operates 12 government medical colleges, with four more planned for Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, and Nabarangpur. Under the Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana schemes, 3.46 crore people—80% of Odisha’s population—receive free healthcare, with 3.91 lakh individuals benefiting from Rs 900 crore in medical services. Additionally, 8,644 elderly citizens above 70 have accessed Rs 35.60 crore in healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Vayabandhan Yojana.

Also Read: Odisha MVI Arrested: 44 Plots, 1 Kg Gold Unearthed in Corruption Crackdown

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, also present at the event, described the hospital expansion as a historic milestone for Koraput’s healthcare system. Majhi noted that the BJP government, in just one year, has made significant strides in regional development, ensuring that Koraput’s residents benefit from improved infrastructure and services.

Also Read: Puri Attack: Outrage and Grief Grip Odisha as Hundreds Mourn Teen Burn Victim