Expert Consultation Meeting for developing Odisha’s Health Vision

Bhubaneswar:(Samrudha Odisha) An expert consultation meeting was held today at National Health Mission, Odisha aimed to discuss the development of Odisha’s Vision Document for 2036 and 2047. The meeting was chaired by the Commissioner-Cum-Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department Smt Aswathy S. The discussion began with an overview of the State’s current situation, highlighting successful programs, identifying gaps in healthcare delivery, and some key trends in shaping the future of health, which include demographic transition, disease burden, the threat of emerging and remerging infectious diseases, urbanization, and extreme weather events. Several challenges were also discussed by the experts, relating to resource allocation, human resources, health infrastructure, service delivery, research and innovation, and environmental challenges. As the meeting progressed, the discussion moved to defining the vision, mission, and key actionable components for the Odisha Vision Document. The expert consultation highlighted the need for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to health planning in Odisha. The key outcomes of the meeting will be integrated into the Vision Document for 2036 and 2047, ensuring that the state is prepared for future health challenges and opportunities. Participants included MD NHM, MD OSMCL, Director Health Services, Director Family Welfare, Director Nursing, Director Health Intelligence and Vital Statistics, Director Blood Safety, Director SIHFW, Director Medical Education & Training, AD Public Health, Registrar Odisha University of Health Sciences, officers from NHM, as well as experts from various organizations such as the Indian Institute of Public Health-Bhubaneswar (IIPH-B), UNICEF, SUM College and Hospital, JHPIEGO, WHO, RMRC and McKinsey.

Reported by Rajat Mohapatra & Saurav Pradhan,PRO (GoD)