Odisha plans to fast track Rs 3,300 cr health infrastructure projects

The Public Health department has also been directed to make all necessary water and sanitation connection plan for health institutions well in advance

The Odisha government has decided to fast track clearance of health infrastructure project proposals of National Health Mission (NHM) by authorising district level officers to clear the applications.

The total cost of the projects involves Rs 3,300 crore and is scheduled to be spent in three years starting 2014-15.

“The district collectors have been authorised to accord administrative approval to all NHM civil work plan and designs. They have also been advised to prepare green architectural designs of the health institutions focusing on minimal use of energy and recycling techniques. The works department has been advised to strengthen its architectural wing and empanel the architects for quick preparation of plan and designs,” a release issued by the state government said.

In a recently concluded meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, J K Mohapatra, the Works department was instructed to prepare integrated building designs by combining resources of civil, electric and internal sanitation works for completion of the building construction in one go. The Public Health department has been also been directed to make all necessary water and sanitation connection plan for health institutions well in advance, as per the release.

The expenses have been earmarked under the perspective development plan prepared by NHM for development of health infrastructure at the grassroot level in Odisha.

According to the plan, decisions have been taken for completion of upgradation of all sub-center buildings by 2017, complete construction of all PHC buildings, establishment of high-end critical care units like Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU), New Born Stabilization Unit (NBSU), New Born Care Corner ( NBCC) at all delivery-point hospitals, construction of accommodation for health staff, establishment of clean and proper nutrition care facility at different delivery point health institutions and Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers (NRC). Besides, strengthening of vaccine centers at district and sub-divisional hospitals, construction of drug warehouses, provision for round the clock piped water supply and dedicated electricity in hospitals, construction and upgradation of Auxiliary Nurse & Midwifery Training Center (ANMC), General Nurse & Midwifery Training Center (GNMTC) have also been included in the perspective plan. Along with infrastructure push, the state government also wants all health institutions in the state be equipped with adequate trained staffs.

The Chief Secretary has asked the project implementing authorities to see that all district hospitals are fully equipped with latest medical tools and functional with adequate nursing staff, said the official release of the meeting.