Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at strengthening specialist healthcare services in Odisha, the Centre has approved 11 Post-Diploma Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats across three government medical colleges in the state.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), New Delhi, has granted recognition to the 11 seats across five broad specialities. The approved disciplines include Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases (T.B. & C.D.) and Anaesthesiology.

The seats have been approved at Shree Jagannath Medical College and Hospital, Puri; Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital, Balangir; and Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, Koraput.

Of the 11 seats, five will be reserved for doctors serving under the Odisha government, while the remaining six seats will be available under the all India Quota.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said continued cooperation between the Centre and the state government would help expand medical education, create more training opportunities for doctors and strengthen healthcare delivery in Odisha.

Mahaling further said the availability of Post-Diploma DNB specialists would make it easier to provide specialist medical services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Sub-Divisional Hospitals across the state.

Official sources said the introduction of Post-Diploma DNB training opportunities would help increase the availability of specialist doctors in Odisha. The initiative will also provide government doctors with greater opportunities to pursue advanced postgraduate training and acquire specialist qualifications while continuing their service in the state.