The Odisha Government has approved a series of measures aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding digital health services, and promoting traditional systems of medicine across the state.
The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to assess the implementation of programmes under the Health and Family Welfare Department. The meeting was held in Bhubaneswar and focused on improving access, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services.
As part of the reforms, the state will roll out the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) on a pilot basis in Kendujhar district. Following an evaluation of its performance and outcomes, the initiative will be expanded statewide. Under ABDM, healthcare services such as appointment scheduling, referrals, follow-ups, and related processes will be enabled through digital platforms, streamlining patient care pathways.
The ABDM framework seeks to create an integrated digital health ecosystem by allowing citizens to access and share their medical records securely using unique Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs. The system will digitally connect patients with doctors, laboratories, and pharmacies to support continuity of care and improve coordination across healthcare services. The state government expects the initiative to reduce patient waiting times and ensure more efficient use of healthcare infrastructure.
In another key decision, the Chief Minister announced the introduction of Diplomate of National Board (DNB) coursesat all District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs). The move is intended to enhance clinical expertise at the district level by enabling doctors to pursue specialised training while continuing their services locally.
To strengthen traditional medicine systems, the government also issued directions to promote AYUSH healthcare services across Odisha. AYUSH doctors have been instructed to prescribe only Ayurvedic medicines, while Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines will be made available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, reinforcing the state’s focus on integrative and traditional healthcare practices.
