9 new medical colleges to be set up in State
'We have decided to set up four MBBS colleges at Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal and Nabarangpur districts, four dental colleges at Burla, Berhampur, Bolangir and Keonjhar, besides an Ayurvedic college in Mayurbhanj district,' Mahaling told mediapersons.
Besides, the new medical colleges with 100 MBBS seats each at Phulbani in Kandhamal district and Talcher in Angul district will start functioning from the current academic year, he said.
On June 7, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had inaugurated a 100-seat government medical college and a 650-bed hospital at Phulbani. 'This medical college in Kandhamal will also provide quality health service to the people of nearby districts like Nayagarh, Boudh and Kalahandi.
This 100-seat medical college will help meet the doctor shortage in the State. This will also act as a powerful engine for local employment, research and economic development,' the Chief Minister had said. Majhi had said that the people of this region had to travel to Berhampur or Cuttack to avail better health care. Now, they will get a similar healthcare facility at their place.
Mahaling thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Majhi for approving the new medical colleges for Odisha, which will help meet the required number of doctors in the State.
Mahaling was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the maiden Healthcare Summit 2025 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here. In his address at the event, the minister emphasised the State's commitment to enhance healthcare infrastructure and medical education. He informed the gathering about the recruitment of over 4,000 doctors and paramedical staff last year and plans to recruit more than 5,000 medical personnel this year.
Efforts will be made to fill up 1.5 lakh vacant government posts within five years, the minister said.
Sunil Gupta, chairman of CII Odisha State Council, underscored Odisha's growing role in the national healthcare landscape and the importance of public-private partnerships in driving future growth.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Beyond quick fixes: How ayurveda heals the mind-body connection
Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old holistic science, emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind and body for achieving lasting mental well-being. It focuses on balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and cultivating Sattva through herbal remedies, mindful practices, and lifestyle adjustments. By integrating these principles, individuals can attain emotional stability and resilience in today's fast-paced world. In today's hyper-connected, modern world, talk of mental wellbeing is finally picking up steam. And yet, the answers we tend to find are in the form of band-aids like fast vacations, short getaways, or short digital detoxes, which, although useful, seldom deal with the true source of desequilibre. Ayurveda , India's 5,000-year-old holistic science, is quite different. It recognises that body and mind are not independent of each other but intensely connected, and that long-term mental health can only be achieved by tending to them in unison. Ayurveda does not view the mind simply in terms of moods or symptoms; it views it as part of an overall system ruled by the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The health of these doshas has a direct bearing on our emotional stability, clarity of thought, and capacity to deal with stress. Ayurveda's perception of the mind-body relationship Image: Canva Mental well-being in Ayurveda is described as "manasik swasthya," or a balanced and healthy state of mind. This equilibrium is subject to the influence of three mental virtues or gunas: Sattva: Purity, clearness, and intelligence Rajas: Activity, restlessness, and desire Tamas: Laziness, sluggishness, and ignorance A Sattvic mind is peaceful, clean, and satisfied. When Rajas or Tamas get over-powering, tension, nervousness, moodiness, or depression sets in. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 50 Floors of Elevated Living by Raymond Realty Raymond Realty Learn More Undo Ayurveda strives to promote Sattva while mildly suppressing the rajasic and tamasic states. The objective is not to eliminate doshas but to equalise them so that the mind is best able to perform. Herbal support Image : Canva Ayurveda has a whole pharmacopeia of herbs that were centuries ago used to feed the nervous system and increase mental acuity: Brahmi: Enhances memory, concentration, and capacity for learning. Ashwagandha: Mitigates stress, enhances emotional coping, and normalises cortisol. Shankhpushpi: Soothes mental restlessness and helps maintain healthy sleep habits. Jatamansi: Herbal sedative for relaxation and alleviation of tension. Herbs may be consumed as powders, teas, oils, or capsules, according to lifestyle choices. Ayurvedic products for mental well-being Image: Canva With busy urban lives in the modern era, not everybody can be grinding herbs or making decoctions from home. To the good fortune of all, Ayurvedic products have become more convenient without compromising on its genuineness. Herbal teas with Brahmi or Ashwagandha, Chyawanprash for immunity and energy, Ashwagandha capsules to combat stress, and Brahmi oil for head massage are now easily found in shops and over the internet. Certain companies, such as Patanjali, have made these ancient remedies affordable and easy to use, making them a part of the daily regime. Ayurveda isn't brand-oriented, but the efforts of such companies have brought ancient herbal remedies back into mainstream wellness. Sustainability & the ayurvedic lifestyle In contrast to most contemporary wellness fads, Ayurveda is highly sustainable. It encourages seasonal food intake, locally sourced herbal use, and conscious consumption, all of which decrease the body's stress burden and enable planetary health. Even minor shifts, such as substituting chemical-laden personal care products with natural ones or opting for herbal tea over coffee, can cause a cascade effect on mental clarity. Real life experiences Pragya Chakraborty, says "Corporate life is a job under high pressure, with constant deadlines, late nights and constant coffee breaks. I started to feel mentally drained and unfocused. A friend recommended Ayurveda, and my practitioner prescribed Brahmi tea first thing every morning, 10 minutes of meditation, and Abhyanga massage with sesame oil once a week. After two months, my sleep was better, concentration improved, and I could cope with stress much better. It's now no longer a routine, it's my sanity in a fast-paced world." Manisha Pandey, a college student, says "I was studying for competitive exams and always used to feel stressed out. My mind would either be racing with thoughts or become extremely lethargic and unable to concentrate. I changed to a Satvik diet, began doing pranayama every day, and consumed Ashwagandha capsules as advised by my Ayurvedic physician. My anxiety decreased, I slept better, and my study sessions were more productive within weeks. Ayurveda didn't only assist me in preparing for exams, it made the entire process less stressful and even enjoyable." Ayurveda is the study that says mental well-being is not an independent endeavor but an inextricable component of overall wellness. By harmonising the doshas, cultivating Sattva, and taking thoughtful life decisions, we can build emotional balance that cannot be disturbed by life's problems. Through herbal assistance, everyday rituals, or mindful eating, the Ayurvedic way provides not merely symptomatic relief but a lifestyle where peace of mind becomes the rule, not the exception. In an age that is obsessed with speed, Ayurveda teaches us to pause, tune in to what our body is telling us, and nurture the mind.
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Govt honours ‘selfless' contributions of 24 organ donors
Bhubaneswar: State govt on Wednesday conferred 'Suraj Samman' on 24 organ donors posthumously on the occasion of Organ Donation Day. A cash reward of Rs 5 lakh each was received by family members of the awardees. Health minister Mukesh Mahaling presented the awards after paying homage to the organ donors and their immediate family members. "Enlivening others in the aftermath of one's death through organ donation is a higher order of noble acts," he added. Mahaling said that because of the noble acts of the family of the donors, Odisha was honoured at the national level as an emerging state in organ donation. "Your donations have not only saved the lives of others but also brought honour to our motherland, Odisha," he added. Health secretary Aswathy S said one organ donor can save the lives of eight persons in critical condition. Even one organ donor, through tissue donation, could give life or help around 50 people. She expressed her gratitude to the organ donors on behalf of the people. Among the awardees was 37-year-old Soumya Ranjan Behera, who was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after suffering a brain stroke last month. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Secret Lives of the Romanovs — the Last Rulers of Imperial Russia! Learn More Undo After he was declared brain dead, his family members donated his kidneys and liver, which saved the lives of three patients. "After doctors and other hospital staff made us understand about organ donation, we wished to donate the organs of my son. At that time, we thought that my son could save three lives," said Soumya's mother, Janha Behera. Out of the 24 awardees, 5 were from Khurda district, 4 from Gajapati, 3 from Kendrapada, 2 from Rayagada, and one each from Angul, Balasore, Bhadrak, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Jharsuguda districts. The award was instituted in 2020 in memory of Suraj Behera, whose parents promoted voluntary organ donation by donating the vital organs of their deceased son. Commemorating their humanitarian act, the Suraj Samman is presented to organ donors and organisations promoting organ donation in the state on Aug 13 every year. The last rites of the organ donors are also performed with state honours in recognition of their and their families' selfless contributions. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Indian Express
This Ayurvedic ingredient is hailed for its ability to boost immunity and strength; find out what it is
Have you ever heard of shilajit? This dark, sticky substance might not look appealing, but it's been a prized ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Hailing from the rocks of mountain ranges, it is gaining popularity worldwide for its reported health benefits. Many people claim it can boost immunity, increase strength, and improve overall well-being. But what exactly is shilajit, and does it live up to the hype? Dr Pradeep Shrivastava, ayurvedic expert, Krishna's Herbal and Ayurveda, says, 'Shilajit is a natural resin that originates from rocks in high mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, Tibet, and Altai. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various health issues. Dr Kajal Dhingra, senior ayurvedic physician and ayurvedic lifestyle coach at TAC, The Ayurveda Co., says, 'It is a tar-like substance, rich in minerals, fulvic acid, and humic substances. The primary bioactive compounds in Shilajit include fulvic acid, dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, and various minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Fulvic acid is particularly noted for its powerful antioxidant properties, aiding in the absorption of minerals and contributing to overall health.' Shilajit boosts immunity by enhancing the body's defense mechanisms and promoting the activity of the immune system, says Dr Dhingra. 'The fulvic acid in shilajit acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage and supporting immune function.' Additionally, she elaborates, Shilajit helps increase energy levels and physical strength by 'improving mitochondrial function.' The dibenzo-alpha-pyrones in shilajit enhance the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is crucial for energy production in cells, leading to improved stamina, endurance, and muscle recovery. To ensure the authenticity and quality of Shilajit products, follow these guidelines, as stated by Dr Shrivastava: Research Brands: Before buying the products, research for the reputed and established brands in the market and choose products from there only. Look for Certifications: Authentic Shilajit should have third-party lab certifications for purity and quality. Check Origin: Original Shilajit is sourced from high-altitude regions like the Himalayas. So be careful in verifying the product's origin. Examine Packaging: Genuine products are often packaged in glass containers to protect their integrity. Avoid products with cheap or non-standard packaging. Conduct a Purity Test: Pure Shilajit should dissolve fully in water without leaving a residue. You can test this at home. Seek Expert Advice: Consult with your trusted healthcare professionals to ensure you're getting an effective and quality product. When consuming this ingredient, it's important to follow a few guidelines. Dr Shrivastava says, 'First, ensure you're using a high-quality, purified Shilajit from a reputable source to avoid contaminants. Start with a small dose to check how it is working on your body, typically 300-500 mg per day. It's highly suggested to take on an empty stomach for better results.' Dr Dhingra adds, 'Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood), should avoid Shilajit due to its high mineral content.' Potential side effects may include digestive issues like nausea or diarrhea, informs Dr Shrivastava. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional immediately. 'Shilajit can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications, so consult your doctor if you're on any prescribed medicines or have underlying health conditions,' he adds. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Shilajit due to limited safety data. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
