Odisha Government Announces Major Healthcare Reforms to Strengthen Digital and AYUSH Services

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has rolled out a series of significant policy decisions aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and service delivery across the state, according to an official statement released on Wednesday. The announcements signal a renewed push toward digital healthcare, medical education reforms, and the promotion of traditional medicine systems.

These decisions were taken by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during a comprehensive review meeting of various schemes being implemented by the Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department. The high-level meeting was held in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, where officials assessed progress and outlined future priorities for the state’s healthcare sector.

As part of the reforms, the Chief Minister approved the initial rollout of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) as a pilot project in Kendujhar district. The state government will evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of the programme before expanding it to other districts across Odisha.

Odisha Healthcare Infrastructure Reforms Begin With Digital Health Pilot

Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, several essential healthcare services including appointment scheduling, patient referrals, follow-up care, and related processes will be managed through digital platforms. The initiative is designed to simplify patient access to healthcare facilities while improving coordination among service providers.

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The ABDM aims to establish a unified digital health ecosystem at the national level. Through this system, citizens can create and use unique Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs, allowing them to securely access and share their medical records. The platform will digitally connect patients with doctors, diagnostic laboratories, and pharmacies to ensure seamless and continuous healthcare delivery.

According to the government statement, officials expect the digital initiative to significantly reduce patient waiting times and ensure more efficient use of healthcare infrastructure throughout the state.

New Medical Education Measures Approved to Strengthen District Hospitals

In another key decision, Chief Minister Majhi announced that Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses will be introduced at all District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs) in Odisha. This move is aimed at enhancing the professional skills and clinical expertise of doctors serving at the district level.

The state government stated that the introduction of DNB programmes will allow doctors to pursue higher specialisation and gain hands-on clinical training without leaving their place of posting. Officials believe this initiative will help strengthen secondary healthcare services while addressing the shortage of specialised medical professionals in district hospitals.

Odisha Healthcare Infrastructure Reforms Emphasise Promotion of AYUSH Systems

To further promote traditional systems of medicine, the Chief Minister issued clear instructions regarding AYUSH healthcare services. He directed that doctors practising under Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy should prescribe only Ayurvedic medicines and avoid the use of allopathic drugs.

The Chief Minister also instructed health officials to ensure the availability of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the state. This measure is intended to prioritise AYUSH-based treatments and strengthen public trust in alternative healthcare systems.

Government Stresses Integrated Approach to Public Health Improvement

With these decisions, the Odisha government has underscored its commitment to building a robust, technology-driven, and inclusive healthcare system. Officials said the combined focus on digital health, medical education, and AYUSH promotion will help improve healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and quality for citizens across urban and rural areas.

As implementation begins, the government is expected to closely monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure long-term public health benefits for the people of Odisha.