Nine more medical colleges to be set up in Odisha: Minister Mukesh Mahaling
Inaugurating the first edition of CII Healthcare Summit 2025 here, Mahaling said of the nine institutions, four each will be government medical and dental colleges and one Ayurvedic college.
'We have decided to establish four medical colleges in Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Dhenkanal and Nabarangpur districts while four dental colleges will come up in Burla, Berhampur, Balangir and Keonjhar. The Ayurvedic college will be set up in Mayurbhanj district,' he told mediapersons.
Mahaling said two new medical colleges with 100 MBBS seats each in Phulbani (Kandhamal district) and Talcher (Angul district) will commence operations from the current academic year. The new medical colleges will help meet the growing demand for doctors in the state, he said.
Chairman of CII Odisha State Council and COO of Vedanta Ltd Jharsuguda Sunil Gupta underscored Odisha's growing role in the national healthcare landscape and the importance of public-private partnerships in driving future growth.
Convener of CII's Odisha healthcare panel and COO of Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, Alok Srivastava said affordable healthcare, local innovations and entrepreneurship are key to transforming the sector. Medical tourism is poised to grow significantly and Odisha can benefit immensely, he said.
G Suresha, vice-chairman, CII Odisha State Council and executive director, AM/NS India, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and participants for their contributions in shaping the future of healthcare in Odisha.
Themed 'Healing Meets Heritage: Unlocking Odisha's Potential as a Medical Tourism Hub', the summit explored how the state's rich cultural and natural assets can be harnessed to attract healthcare travellers. An exhibition as well as B2B and B2G meetings organised on the sidelines of the event facilitated strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
THESE 5 ancient brain hacks still work; here's why
While we do a lot to keep our physical bodies in shape - diet, exercise, walking etc, we seldom pay attention to our mental state of mind. Amidst the chaotic world we live in, riddled with fear, anxiety, and stress, our mind is always in fast forward, and rarely gets time to rest (not even when we are sleeping!) However, apart from eating a well balanced diet, there are some ancient hacks that can sharpen our brain as well. These will not only make you sharper, but also bring calm to your frayed nerves and chaotic senses. Take a look. (source:doclogues) Meditation Meditation is one of the oldest brain hacks, dating back thousands of years, and is the foundation of mental peace. This practice involves quieting the mind and focusing attention, often on the breath, or a mantra. There have been enough studies to confirm that meditation reduces activity in the amygdala—the brain's fear and stress center—while boosting the prefrontal cortex, which helps with attention, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Regular meditation helps break the cycle of constant internal chatter, allowing the mind to experience a calm, focused state. Studies show that long-term meditators have more gray matter in brain areas linked to sensory processing and awareness, which can translate into sharper focus and better memory. Meditation also triggers epigenetic changes, helping the body's deepest healing mechanisms at the genetic level, making it a powerful tool for long-term brain health. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Yoga and Breathwork Those who understand Yoga know that it is more than physical exercise; it's a holistic practice combining postures, breath control, and meditation. There is research to prove that those who do Yoga everyday have higher oxygen levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during breathwork, an area critical for planning, attention, and emotional control. Breathwork, especially slow abdominal breathing, makes oxygen flow to the brain better, improving cognition, memory, and emotional regulation. The rhythmic movements and postures in yoga also activate different brain regions, that better mental clarity and reduces stress. Ayurvedic Nootropics Ayurveda offers natural nootropics—herbs that enhance cognitive function. One of the most studied Ayurvedic herbs is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), known for its ability to improve memory, reaction time, and executive function. Ashwagandha extracts can reduce anxiety and stress, while also enhancing cognitive flexibility and working memory in healthy adults. This herb contains bioactive compounds like withanolides that support brain health and may work synergistically with other treatments. Fasting Fasting is a fad that has caught attention in the last few decades. But in reality, it is an ancient practice that has a host of health benefits. (and not done just for religious/festive purposes) Intermittent fasting triggers a process called autophagy, where the body clears out damaged cells and recycles useful components, effectively cleaning up the brain at a cellular level. This clean up of the body reduces inflammation, protects neurons, and promotes the formation of new neural connections. Many people who fast report clearer thinking, better mood, and improved focus. Fasting also enhances neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and rewire itself - this can reduce stress, and prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Squatting While it may seem surprising, squatting—a natural human posture can also boost brain health. Scientific evidence shows that the up-and-down motion of squatting causes blood flow to the brain to fluctuate, which stimulates the inner lining of blood vessels to release beneficial substances. This vascular stimulation improves cognition, memory, and learning by enhancing blood supply and nutrient delivery to the brain. Unlike intense cardio workouts, or new age (read complicated) workout plans, squatting is a low-impact exercise that can be done anywhere, making it an accessible and effective ancient brain hack for maintaining mental sharpness. Why These Ancient Brain Hacks Still Work What makes these ancient techniques so effective even today? They all focus on balancing brain function by reducing stress, improving oxygen and nutrient flow, and promoting neural health. Unlike quick fixes or pills or fad diets, these engage the body and mind cohesively, triggering natural healing.
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
‘UP's push to AYUSH to create jobs, strengthen rural economy'
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is expected to witness a surge in demand for medicinal crops as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced plans to start 100-bed ayurvedic wellness centres in every district and establish AYUSH colleges in six underserved divisions, officials said. The CM announced the expansion of AYUSH services across the state during the inauguration of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur on Tuesday. "The vision will give a push to holistic healthcare and rural growth by boosting the demand for medicinal crops. This will enhance farmers' incomes and create jobs across cultivation, processing, and supply chains, strengthening rural economy," an official said. "Data trends show that the export of Ayurvedic products rose dramatically from USD 2.85 million in 2014 to USD 18 billion in 2020. This underscores an increasing international trust and demand for traditional Indian health systems," he said. "CM Yogi Adityanath has a personal and traditional association with yoga and Ayurveda and holds great influence as the leader of the Nath sect. He is taking steps to make UP a hub for health tourism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sharp Design, Smoother Drives. Toyota Glanza Learn More Undo The state govt is also extending incentives on the farming of medicinal crops under the National AYUSH Mission and the Uttar Pradesh Medicinal Plantation Mission," he said. Key medicinal crops eligible for govt subsidy include sarpagandha, ashwagandha, brahmi, kalmegh, kaunch, shatavari, tulsi, aloe vera, vach, artemisia, giloy, amla, and jatamansi, which are eligible for subsidies ranging from 30 to 75%. "The govt is encouraging farmers to cultivate a single type of medicinal plant collectively in clusters to attract direct market access," the official added. This potential is reinforced by the presence of premier central govt institutions in Lucknow, including the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP). "These institutions are not only engaged in cutting-edge research but also actively support grassroots medicinal farming by training farmers and promoting best practices," they said.
The Hindu
17 hours ago
- The Hindu
Mixing Ayurveda with modern medicine: What matters is scientific proof
The proposal to integrate MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) into a single course has sparked controversy and opposition, with some calling it 'mixopathy'. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other organisations have voiced concerns, stating it is unscientific and could compromise patient safety. The proposed course, planned for JIPMER, aims to create doctors capable of utilising both allopathic and Ayurvedic treatments and provide a holistic diagnosis and treatment plan for patients. The Hindu webinar examined this proposal by the Central government to merge the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) into a single integrated course. It has not just ignited a debate within the medical community, but will also have a direct impact on the way patients will be diagnosed and treated in as little as five years from now. The panellists included Dr. R.P. Parasher from the All India Doctors Association of ISM; Dr. Lakshya Mittal from United Doctors Front; Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former IMA President in Cochin; and Dr. Manisha Mishra, Ayurveda Physician MD (Ayu). The discussion was moderated by Bindu Perappadan, Senior Assistant Editor at The Hindu. The principle of falsifiability Speaking against this integration, Dr. Jayadevan said that every country has its own traditional knowledge systems; while traditional systems like Ayurveda deserve respect, they cannot be mixed with modern medicine, as Ayurveda and modern medicine are founded on completely different principles. Also Read: IMA opposes proposed integrated MBBS-BAMS course, calls it unscientific He emphasised that modern medicine is evidence-based and founded on proof. So whatever is claimed must be supported by evidence, adhering to the principle of falsifiability. For instance, if it is said that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius, that statement should be demonstrable with proof as true or false. However, if it is said that a particular disease occurs due to one's actions in a past life, it is a belief-based and non-falsifiable statement. 'These systems can exist in parallel, but mixing them is not acceptable,' he said. Dr. Manisha Mishra, speaking in support of integration, highlighted that Ayurveda is fundamentally focused on health preservation and disease prevention, viewing health as a balance of bioenergy, physical and mental attributes, lifestyle (vihar), and diet (ahaar). It considers the soul, emotions, and genotype and phenotype in assessing disease risk and advising lifestyle changes early on to avoid future illness. She said that while Ayurveda once included surgical practices, its strength today lies more in therapeutic and holistic approaches. Unlike modern medicine's precision and symptom-focused interventions, Ayurveda aims to restore physiological balance. Dr. Mishra argued that integrating both systems could lead to holistic patient care, especially in acute cases where diagnostics from modern medicine can be combined with Ayurvedic lifestyle interventions. Integration, she added, would also improve doctor-patient communication, reduce stigma around using alternative supplements, and offer cost-effective, accessible healthcare, particularly in rural and primary care settings. Not at the cost of patient safety Dr. Mittal questioned the scientific basis of integrating the two systems, suggesting that mixing treatments without full knowledge could lead to serious side effects. He said that reforms should be in the larger public interest, and not rushed at the cost of student welfare and patient safety. Dr. Mittal called this policy idealistic but impractical. Drawing on feedback from medical students and young resident doctors, he argued that India's medical education system is already under strain, with infrastructure and quality degrading. Dr. Mittal emphasized that existing issues in medical colleges, including inadequate auditing and poor facilities must be addressed before introducing such major reforms. He warned that students are being treated like guinea pigs in these hybridisation experiments, and that this could eventually compromise both medical training and patient care. No single system complete on its own Dr. Parasher supported the integration of Ayurveda and modern medicine, arguing that no single system of medicine is complete on its own. He said that while modern medicine is heavily evidence-based, Ayurveda has its time-tested wisdom that can be valuable in today's healthcare context. Also Read: Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers support move to launch integrated medicine course at JIPMER Dr. Parasher noted that patients often do not receive complete or satisfactory treatment from a single system, and combining approaches could address the limitations of each. He also highlighted that many modern medicines, like TB drugs and antibiotics, are hepatotoxic, and Ayurvedic formulations can help manage or reduce these side effects, leading to better patient compliance. Lastly, he pointed out that despite scientific advancements, lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension are rising, and incorporating Ayurvedic principles and treatments could help manage these conditions more effectively. Important to place regulatory norms for Ayurveda Moderator Bindu Perappadan asked whether there is a lack of academic and research rigor in alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda compared to modern medicine. She highlighted that MBBS education involves stringent processes for documentation, publication, and clinical trials, and asked whether the absence of similar standards in Ayurveda could compromise the quality of education and ultimately impact patient care. Also Read: What are the risks of the government's proposed 'mixopathy' move? | In Focus podcast Dr. Manisha Mishra responded by acknowledging the gap in regulatory rigor and agreed that Ayurvedic patent medicines should be subjected to Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). She pointed out that while modern medicines are target-based and require DCGI approval, similar regulatory enforcement is lacking in Ayurveda, and it is the government's responsibility to address that. However, she defended classical Ayurvedic formulations, noting they've been used safely over centuries and that reverse pharmacology research has been conducted on herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Turmeric. She emphasized that CCRAS and PG students are doing research, but conceded that it should become more rigorous. Improve scientific temperament Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan stressed that belief or tradition alone cannot substitute for scientific evidence. He shared an anecdote from his medical training in New York, where his professor dismissed a drug recommendation because it lacked scientific backing, even though it had been taught to Jayadevan by another professor. Jayadevan explained, 'That's the point here, even in modern medicine, we must improve scientific temperament.' He emphasized that modern medicine is built on evidence and transparency, including explicit documentation of side effects, which is often missing in alternative systems. He warned against the illusion of safety in traditional treatments and shared that some liver transplants today are necessitated by unregulated herbal medicine use. As discussions continue around this proposal's implications for future medical education in India, it remains clear that any changes must prioritise patient welfare above all else while ensuring rigorous standards are maintained across all forms of medical practice.
