Odisha Budget: Major expansion of healthcare capacity with focus on SCB Medical College & Hospital

The Odisha government, guided by the principle “Arogyam Paramam Dhanam – Sustha Odisha, Viksit Odisha”, has announced a series of bold initiatives in the Odisha Budget 2026-27 aimed at expanding healthcare capacity and improving medical services across the state. The proposals reflect the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that every citizen has access to equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare.

Massive Outlay for Healthcare

For the fiscal year 2026-27, the government has proposed a total outlay of Rs. 23,182 crore for Health and Family Welfare, which includes Rs. 17,737 crore under programme expenditure. This allocation represents more than 7.5% of the state’s total budget, underscoring the priority placed on enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Expansion of Healthcare Facilities Across Odisha

To meet the growing healthcare needs of the state, the Odisha government has unveiled a major healthcare expansion plan. Key proposals include:

5,000 additional IPD beds to be added across Medical Colleges, District Headquarters, and Community Health Centres. This will help meet the rising patient numbers, including emergency cases and those suffering from chronic diseases.

A significant expansion at SCB Medical College & Hospital in Cuttack, where a 1,800-bed facility will be established. This will strengthen the hospital’s capacity to handle more patients and provide specialized care.

Strengthening Critical Care and Emergency Services

In addition to expanding bed capacity, the government has prioritized the creation of advanced critical care facilities:

1,000 advanced ICU beds equipped with ventilators and centralized monitoring systems will be installed, providing life-saving support for patients requiring intensive care.

Furthermore, 500 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds will be established to offer specialized critical care, enhancing the state’s emergency response and patient management capabilities.

Upgrading Human Resources and Medical Technology

The government has also committed to improving human resources to manage the increased healthcare capacity. Specialist doctors, nurses, and technicians will be recruited to ensure high-quality care. In addition, the government will procure the latest biomedical equipment, including new dialysis units, to ensure that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle the growing demand for services.

Mission to Ease Hospital Congestion and Strengthen Emergency Response

This extensive expansion aims to ease hospital congestion, enhance the state’s emergency response capabilities, and provide a world-class critical care infrastructure for the people of Odisha. The mission is designed to ensure that no citizen is left without life-saving support, regardless of their location or economic background.

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A Vision for a Healthier Odisha

The Odisha Budget 2026-27 reflects the government's strong commitment to improving public health and healthcare services. With significant investments in expanding healthcare infrastructure, particularly the development of the 1,800-bed facility at SCB Medical College & Hospital, the state is poised to meet the future healthcare needs of its people. These initiatives will strengthen Odisha’s healthcare system, ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for all its citizens.