BHUBANESWAR: The state government will pilot the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) in Keonjhar district and introduce Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses at district headquarters hospitals as part of major health sector reforms announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday.
The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting of the Health and Family Welfare department where the chief minister assessed ongoing programmes with a strong focus on upgrading healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery across the state.
Under ABDM, key healthcare services such as appointment schedules, bookings, referrals and follow-up will be delivered through digital platforms.
The initiative is aimed at reducing patient wait time and ensuring efficient utilisation of health facilities. Based on the success of the scheme in Keonjhar, the digital healthcare system will be expanded across Odisha.
In another major step towards strengthening medical expertise at the district level, the chief minister approved the launch of DNB courses at district headquarters hospitals (DHHs).
This will enable doctors to receive advanced practical and clinical training while pursuing specialisation, thereby enhancing the quality of medical care in public health institutions.
In a significant policy step to promote traditional systems of medicine, the chief minister directed AYUSH doctors to prescribe only Ayurvedic medicines and refrain from prescribing allopathic drugs. He also instructed that Ayurvedic and Homeopathic medicines be made available at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the state, ensuring wider access to AYUSH healthcare services for the public.
The chief minister reiterated that these reforms were aimed at creating a more responsive, technology-driven and people-centric healthcare system in the state, combining modern medical infrastructure with promotion of traditional practices.
The meeting was attended by Health and Family Welfare minister Mukesh Mahaling, chief secretary Anu Garg, principal secretary to CM Saswata Mishra, health secretary Aswathy S, National Health Mission director Brunda D and other senior Health department officials.