Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Government Hospital at Talcher in Angul district of Odisha.

Patnaik inaugurated the 330-bed hospital through videoconferencing. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Coal and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi graced the occasion virtually.

The Chief Minister paid rich tributes to freedom fighter and former Deputy Chief Minister Pabitra Mohan Pradhan and remembered his contribution towards the development of Odisha.

“Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Government Hospital will be upgraded into a medical college in the coming days. Healthcare sector has been a priority area for the state government since last many days. We have constructed new medical colleges and created additional posts of doctors and paramedics to provide better healthcare to Odisha people,” said the Chief Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Coal and Mines Minister said the people of Talcher-Angul region will be hugely benefitted by the new government hospital.

“The Coal India has much contribution for setting up of this hospital. It is committed to provide all possible assistance to upgrade the hospital into a medical college. The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) will provide Rs 628 crore financial assistance to this hospital in five years,” he added.

The Union Education Minister thanked the Chief Minister for naming the hospital after the renowned freedom fighter. He also urged the Chief Minister to take all necessary steps to upgrade the hospital into a government medical college at the earliest.