Baripada: In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure in Mayurbhanj and northern Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday inaugurated a 650-bed teaching hospital at the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College, Baripada.

Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹258 crore, the state-of-the-art facility is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare services not only in Mayurbhanj but across northern Odisha and adjoining regions.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the new hospital would benefit residents of Mayurbhanj as well as people from neighbouring districts, other states, and tribal-dominated areas. He expressed confidence the medical college would play a vital role in improving community health, maternal and child care, public health research, and awareness among tribal populations.

During his visit, Majhi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over ₹430 crore aimed at the district’s overall development.

Official sources said a total investment of ₹430.26 crore has been earmarked for 39 major projects spanning sectors such as transport, healthcare, drinking water, and other public welfare initiatives.

Foundation stones were laid for 21 projects worth over ₹282 crore, while 18 projects valued at more than ₹149 crore were inaugurated. Additionally, 83 drinking water projects built at a cost of around ₹100 crore were launched, expected to address long-standing water issues in several areas.

Highlighting the state’s healthcare initiatives, the Chief Minister said under the Ayushman Bharat–Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, around 3.46 crore people from 1.30 crore families in Odisha are availing free healthcare services at empanelled hospitals across the country.

He further noted steps are being taken to strengthen AYUSH healthcare by establishing new Ayurvedic colleges in Gajapati, Malkangiri, and Rayagada, along with new homeopathic colleges in Nayagarh and Nuapada.

Several dignitaries, including ministers, MPs, MLAs, and district officials, were present at the event.