Baripada, Odisha: In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure and regional development in northern Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 39 development projects worth more than ₹430 crore in Mayurbhanj district.
The highlight of the Chief Minister’s visit was the inauguration of the new 650-bed teaching hospital at Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital, Baripada, constructed at an estimated cost of nearly ₹258 crore. The state-of-the-art medical facility is expected to transform healthcare services in northern Odisha and serve as a major referral centre for patients from Mayurbhanj, neighbouring districts, tribal regions, and adjoining states.
650-Bed Hospital to Strengthen Healthcare in Northern Odisha
Addressing a large gathering during the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the newly commissioned teaching hospital would significantly enhance the healthcare delivery system in the region.
The hospital is equipped with modern medical infrastructure, advanced diagnostic facilities, specialist departments, intensive care units, emergency services, and improved patient care amenities. The facility is expected to reduce the burden on major hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack while providing quality healthcare closer to people’s homes.
The Chief Minister stated that the hospital would become a benchmark institution for medical services in northern Odisha and contribute significantly to improving healthcare accessibility in rural and tribal areas.
Development Projects Worth Over ₹430 Crore Unveiled
As part of the development package, projects valued at over ₹282 crore were launched through foundation stone-laying ceremonies, while completed projects worth more than ₹149 crore were inaugurated.
The initiatives cover multiple sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Drinking water supply
- Rural infrastructure
- Public welfare
- Education
- Community development
- Urban amenities
Officials said the projects are designed to improve the quality of life of residents and accelerate socio-economic development across Mayurbhanj district.
Major Push for Drinking Water Infrastructure
Among the projects inaugurated were 83 drinking water supply projects built at an investment of nearly ₹100 crore.
The projects aim to provide safe and reliable drinking water to thousands of households across various parts of the district. The initiative is expected to address long-standing water scarcity issues and improve public health outcomes in rural and semi-urban areas.
The government believes that access to clean drinking water remains one of the key pillars of sustainable development and community well-being.
Focus on Accessible and Affordable Healthcare
Chief Minister Majhi reiterated the State government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that quality medical services reach every citizen.
He noted that many patients from northern Odisha often travel long distances to seek specialized treatment in major cities. The new teaching hospital will help reduce travel time, treatment costs, and inconvenience faced by patients and their families.
The facility is also expected to support medical education and training while creating opportunities for healthcare professionals in the region.
Interaction with Medical Students
During his visit to the medical college campus, the Chief Minister interacted with students and healthcare professionals. He encouraged future doctors to uphold the values of compassion, dedication, and service.
He emphasized that serving poor and underprivileged communities, particularly tribal populations, should remain at the heart of the medical profession.
According to the Chief Minister, healthcare is not merely a profession but a social responsibility that plays a vital role in nation-building.
Boost to Mayurbhanj’s Growth and Development
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated projects would accelerate economic growth, improve public services, and create better opportunities for residents of Mayurbhanj.
He stated that the government’s development vision focuses on balanced regional growth, ensuring that districts such as Mayurbhanj receive adequate infrastructure investments and public services.
Speaking at the event, Majhi said:
“In the field of healthcare, this Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital of Baripada will certainly serve as an example for North Odisha, for this region, and also for other states. Along with this, we have laid today the foundation stone and initiated several projects worth around ₹431 crore in Baripada and the eastern region of Mayurbhanj district.”
The large-scale investment is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening healthcare, drinking water infrastructure, and overall development in one of Odisha’s most important tribal-dominated districts.
