Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced the establishment of two new government medical colleges in the state, aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical education opportunities.

Odisha to get medical colleges in Dhenkanal and Bhadrak

Addressing a public meeting in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, the Chief Minister said that one medical college will be set up in Dhenkanal district and another in Bhadrak district.

Apart from the new medical colleges, the state government has also planned to establish government nursing colleges in seven districts and dental colleges in four districts to further improve healthcare education and services across Odisha.

The announcement is part of the state's ongoing efforts to enhance access to quality medical education and healthcare facilities, particularly in underserved regions.

At present, Odisha has 15 government medical colleges, including AIIMS Bhubaneswar. These institutions collectively offer 1,925 MBBS seats.

In addition, six private and deemed medical colleges in the state provide another 1,100 MBBS seats, taking the total number of undergraduate medical seats in Odisha to over 3,000.

The proposed institutions are expected to boost the state's healthcare workforce, create new educational opportunities for aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals, and improve medical services in the respective districts.

Further details regarding the timelines, locations and funding for the new institutions are expected to be announced by the state government in the coming months.