Govt accelerates upgrade of medical colleges, hospitals
Bhubaneswar: To strengthen the state's
healthcare infrastructure
, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed officials to expedite the redevelopment of old govt medical colleges and hospitals.
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During a comprehensive review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday evening, Majhi outlined an ambitious plan for upgrade of several major medical institutions, with SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack and PGIMER and Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, set to receive substantial allocation.
The flagship project involves the transformation of Cuttack's prestigious SCB MCH at an investment of Rs 4,474 crore.
Scheduled for completion by June 2026, the first phase of development will expand the institution's bed capacity to 3,796, with the ultimate goal of elevating it to AIIMS++ standards. In Bhubaneswar, Capital Hospital is set for a major overhaul with an allocation of Rs 5,958 crore, which will dramatically increase its bed capacity from 750 to 2,582.
Similarly, Acharya Harihar Postgraduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC), Cuttack, will receive Rs 895.8 crore in its first phase of redevelopment, with plans to expand its capacity to 1,127 beds upon completion of the second phase.
The modernization drive extends to other MCHs and district hospitals as well. Vimsar in Burla will undergo redevelopment worth Rs 1,594 crore, nearly doubling its bed capacity from 1,485 to 2,861. Berhampur's MKCG has been allocated Rs 1,014 crore, while Rourkela Government Hospital will receive Rs 627 crore for its upgrade.
Official sources said redevelopment projects will encompass more than just medical facilities.
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Each institution will be equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure, new academic buildings, staff quarters, student hostels and recreational facilities including playgrounds and auditoriums, read the official statement issued by the chief minister's office.
"This holistic approach aims to create self-contained medical campuses that can deliver world-class healthcare services while providing optimal working and learning environments for medical professionals and students," said a senior health and family welfare department official.
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