Bhubaneswar: In a major push to strengthen tertiary healthcare services across Odisha, the health and family welfare department on Thursday approved 152 faculty and senior resident posts for super-speciality departments in govt medical colleges and hospitals.The sanctioned posts include professor, associate professor, assistant professor and senior resident positions in key disciplines such as cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, nephrology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS), haematology and surgical gastroenterology.Officials said the decision is aimed at addressing human resource gaps and improving access to advanced medical treatment in govt healthcare institutions across the state. At Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, posts have been approved across categories in cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, nephrology and CTVS.Similar approvals have been granted for cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery and nephrology departments at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, Koraput; Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital, Baripada; Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital, Balangir; and Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Balasore.The govt has also sanctioned posts for haematology at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur; CTVS and surgical gastroenterology at VIMSAR, Burla; and CTVS at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.In addition, faculty positions have been approved for cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery and plastic surgery departments at Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Medical College and Hospital, Talcher, and Shri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital, Puri.Health and family welfare minister Mukesh Mahaling said the decision would significantly strengthen healthcare delivery in the state. “State govt remains committed to providing excellent healthcare facilities. This step will help increase human resources and take health services to new heights,” he said.According to official data, the department has appointed 5,197 medical officers and paramedical staff over the past two years. Recruitment approvals have also been issued for 5,989 nursing officers and 240 radiographers. Besides, the govt has cleared recruitment for 1,108 pharmacist officers, 238 ophthalmic officers and 380 medical laboratory technicians.
