Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Pilot to Launch in Keonjhar; Statewide Rollout Planned, Says CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, Jan 7 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday announced that the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) will be launched as a pilot project in Keonjhar district. The initiative aims to digitize key healthcare services, including appointment booking, referrals, and follow-ups, with the goal of reducing patient waiting time and ensuring efficient utilization of healthcare infrastructure.

Reviewing the Health Department’s programmes, CM Majhi stated that the pilot’s success will form the basis for a statewide rollout of the mission in the next phase.

During the review meeting, the Chief Minister took several decisions to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state:

• Doctors’ training: Introduction of Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses in District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs), enabling doctors to gain practical clinical experience while pursuing specialization.
• Promotion of AYUSH medicines: AYUSH doctors will prescribe only Ayurvedic medicines, and Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines will be made available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to prioritize traditional healthcare services.
• Healthcare infrastructure oversight: Officers and secretaries have been directed to undertake field visits and ensure proper development of healthcare facilities.
• Nursing and midwifery reforms: Emphasis on additional training, qualitative enhancement of graduates’ skills, curriculum updates, and greater orientation toward digital health systems.
• Medical education expansion: Increasing seats in medical colleges and strengthening super-specialty services at institutions such as SCB Medical College, MKCG Medical College, and VIMSAR.