Odisha Appoints Dr. Amarendra Nath Mohanty as Director of Health Services Amid Key Reshuffle

Senior-level promotions and postings aim to strengthen leadership in healthcare administration as state monitors rising Covid-19 cases

In a strategic move to reinforce Odisha’s healthcare leadership in light of emerging public health challenges, particularly the uptick in Covid-19 cases, the state government has announced a significant reshuffle in the Odisha Medical and Health Services (OMHS) cadre. The changes involve the elevation and repositioning of senior healthcare administrators to critical roles.

According to an official notification issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, Dr. Amarendra Nath Mohanty has been appointed as the Director of Health Services, succeeding his tenure as Director of the State Institute of Health & Family Welfare. His new role places him at the helm of the state’s public health apparatus during a period of heightened vigilance and preparedness.

In addition to this leadership transition, four senior medical professionals have been promoted to the Super Time Pay Grade (STPG) of the OMHS cadre on an ad-hoc basis, subject to regularization by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) or until retirement.

Key Appointments and Promotions:

• Dr. Sashi Bhusan Patel, currently Superintendent of Rourkela Government Hospital, has been appointed Director-cum-Ex-Officio Special Secretary (Technical), Health Department.
• Dr. Dillip Kumar Panda, Superintendent of Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, will take over as Director of the State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, replacing Dr. Mohanty.
• Dr. Rajashree Pattnaik, serving as Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO) in Khordha, has been named Director of Nursing.
• Dr. Rupabhanu Mishra, CDM&PHO of Puri, has been appointed Director of Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, a key healthcare institution in the state capital.

In a parallel elevation, Dr. Sujata Rani Mishra, presently CDM&PHO of Sambalpur and a senior officer in the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG), has also been promoted to the STPG. She assumes the role of Director, Health Intelligence and Vital Statistics.

This comprehensive reshuffle underscores the state government’s intent to enhance institutional leadership, improve healthcare service delivery, and ensure robust Covid-19 management infrastructure. Officials note that the reassignments aim to tap into the expertise of seasoned healthcare professionals to drive strategic health outcomes and crisis responsiveness.

The transition also signals a broader administrative commitment to strengthening governance across Odisha’s healthcare system during a time of renewed focus on epidemic preparedness and public health infrastructure.