In a major push to modernise its healthcare ecosystem, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has signed ten Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with prominent healthcare, research and development organisations. The partnerships are expected to improve medical education, emergency care, diagnostics, traditional medicine, healthcare infrastructure and specialised treatment services across the state.
The agreements bring together organisations including Gujarat’s I-HUB, The Antara Foundation (TAF), the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), the Health Systems Transformation Platform, AIIMS Delhi’s Centre for Emergency and Trauma Care, Amrita Hospital in Kochi, the Quality Council of India, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Kaivalya Education Foundation under Project SWASTH.
According to Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, the collaborations represent a significant milestone in Odisha’s healthcare development agenda. He said the initiatives, undertaken with the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, are intended to strengthen healthcare delivery while expanding opportunities for medical education, innovation and research.
One of the key partnerships focuses on emergency medicine. Through its collaboration with AIIMS Delhi’s Centre for Emergency and Trauma Care, the state plans to develop a district medical college into a dedicated Centre of Excellence for Trauma Care, helping improve trauma management and emergency response capabilities.
To encourage innovation in medical education, Gujarat-based I-HUB will support startup development, promote research-driven solutions and introduce advanced teaching approaches. Meanwhile, the partnership with the All India Institute of Ayurveda will help expand the use of Ayurveda-based healthcare practices and encourage the adoption of therapies rooted in India’s traditional medical systems.
Improving diagnostic quality is another major objective of the initiative. Under the agreement with the Quality Council of India, laboratories in district headquarters hospitals and sub-divisional hospitals will work towards obtaining NABL accreditation, strengthening laboratory standards and enhancing the reliability of diagnostic services.
“This is a major step by the government to improve the healthcare system for the people and advance medical education. Similarly, rest houses will be established in six medical colleges and hospitals of the state, and relatives accompanying patients will benefit from a safe and convenient accommodation system,” said Mahaling.
The state also plans to expand access to specialised paediatric cardiac care. Free screening camps will be conducted in remote regions to identify children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Through the partnership with Amrita Hospital, Kochi, eligible children will receive free cardiac surgeries, interventional procedures, post-operative treatment and follow-up care.
Another important initiative involves strengthening the pharmaceutical supply chain. The agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, will support the establishment of a climate-resilient drug warehousing network across Odisha. In addition, the collaboration with the Kaivalya Education Foundation under Project SWASTH will contribute to improvements in healthcare infrastructure, research and service delivery.
Alongside the signing ceremony, the Minister virtually inaugurated upgraded facilities for the Tele-MANAS mental health service at the Institute of Mental Health building within SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, further reinforcing the state’s focus on expanding mental healthcare services.
With these ten strategic partnerships, Odisha is laying the foundation for a stronger and more integrated healthcare system. The initiatives span emergency medicine, diagnostics, digital health, mental healthcare, traditional medicine and specialised treatment, reflecting the state’s long-term commitment to improving healthcare access, quality and medical education for its citizens.