Over 1,300 Patients Treated Under Odisha’s Bayu Swasthya Seva in Malkangiri
Super-specialist doctors from SCB Medical College provide critical care in remote district through CM’s flagship healthcare scheme
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government’s flagship healthcare initiative, “Mukhya Mantri Bayu Swasthya Seva,” has brought much-needed specialist medical care to one of the state’s remotest regions. A special medical camp held at the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital from August 18 to 21 treated a total of 1,398 patients, marking a major success for the scheme.
The initiative saw a team of seven super-specialist doctors from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, flown in to the tribal-dominated district. Their visit ensured access to advanced treatment for patients who otherwise face challenges in reaching tertiary healthcare centres located hundreds of kilometers away.
During the four-day camp, patients received treatment across a spectrum of specialities. Cardiology consultations were provided to 260 patients, neurology to 415, gastroenterology to 263, endocrinology to 229, and nephrology to 231. Alongside consultations, diagnostic services were also extended: 130 patients underwent ECG, 59 patients had endoscopies, and six patients underwent laparoscopy procedures.
The medical team comprised renowned specialists including Dr. Jyotirmay Nayak (Surgery), Dr. Avhans Tank (Cardiology), Dr. Dhiraj Kumar Lenka (Nephrology), Dr. Sanghamitra Sahu (Neurology), Dr. Sitakant Panda (Endocrinology), Dr. Rakesh Mohanty (Gastroenterology), and Dr. Raj Kumar Mahapatra (Anesthesiology). Their expertise brought advanced healthcare directly to patients’ doorsteps.
The camp was met with overwhelming appreciation from local residents. Many patients, who previously had to travel long distances to cities like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for specialised treatment, expressed gratitude for receiving quality care at their district hospital.
District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay commended the Chief Minister and the state government for making such specialist services accessible to Malkangiri’s residents. “This initiative has provided relief to thousands of people, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds who struggle to afford or access treatment in bigger cities,” he said.
Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr. Dolamani Pradhan, along with other district-level physicians, coordinated efforts to ensure smooth functioning of the camp and efficient patient care.
The Mukhya Mantri Bayu Swasthya Seva scheme was launched to address the critical shortage of specialist healthcare services in Odisha’s remote and tribal-dominated districts. The programme leverages air transport to bring teams of expert doctors from leading medical institutions to district headquarters hospitals.
The scheme primarily covers patients from economically weaker sections, ensuring they receive free consultations, treatment, and in many cases, advanced diagnostic procedures. By eliminating the need for patients to undertake long and expensive journeys, the initiative is bridging a major healthcare gap in regions like Malkangiri, Koraput, and Kalahandi.
Officials noted that the Malkangiri camp is a reflection of the state’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. By combining air connectivity with medical expertise, Odisha is setting an example for other states grappling with similar geographical and infrastructural challenges.
The scheme not only reduces the burden on tertiary hospitals in urban centres but also empowers district hospitals to provide advanced healthcare in collaboration with state-level specialists.
As the government plans to scale up such medical camps in other districts, the success in Malkangiri has reinforced the importance of innovative models in ensuring equitable healthcare delivery across rural and tribal belts of Odisha.
