Argus News | Odisha News Today

Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: Healthcare is not confined to hospital walls alone; its strength lies in preparedness before a patient reaches the hospital. This was the central theme at Argus Health Connect‑2026 , Odisha’s largest healthcare forum organised by Argus News, which brought together policymakers, experts, and frontline workers to deliberate on challenges, opportunities, and the future roadmap of the state’s health system here on Saturday. Minister’s Address Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling attended as chief guest, outlining government initiatives to strengthen healthcare. He highlighted budgetary provisions, expansion of Ayurvedic treatment, and the procurement of over 600 new ambulances to improve patient services. Maternal and child mortality rates, he noted, have also declined. Odisha Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Mukesh Mahaling called for suggestions to further strengthen the state’s healthcare system at Argus Odisha Health Connect, Season-5. The Minister said the government is working to transform the health sector. He highlighted… pic.twitter.com/wefHXRD0Hn — Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) September 19, 2026 Role of Trust and Media Dr. Mahaling praised the role of media in building public trust in healthcare, commending Argus News’ weekly programme Prescription . He stressed that beyond doctors and hospitals, patient confidence is vital to a robust system. Expert Insights NITI Aayog Joint Secretary Dr. Kamalakanta Tripathy emphasised that large hospital buildings alone cannot define healthcare strength; true success lies in readiness before patients arrive. He called for greater focus on preventive care, anaemia eradication, and mental health. Dabur India’s research head Dr. Baidyanath Mishra underlined the importance of traditional medicine and Ayurveda in complementing modern healthcare. Honouring Contributions Four individuals were felicitated for their service: Upendranath Patra (Ganjam): Traditional Physician Award Meenati Sahu (Dharmnagar): Swasthya Mitra Samman Dr. Annada Shankar Das (Mobile Health Unit): People’s Doctor Award Dr. Bidyut Kumar Das (Pulmonologist): Health Legendary Award The Road Ahead Speakers agreed that Odisha’s healthcare is evolving but faces challenges in infrastructure, manpower, preventive care, and mental health. The forum’s message was clear: building an inclusive, resilient system requires integrating grassroots services, traditional medicine, and modern technology.

Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: A cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea is poised to intensify into a low‑pressure area by this evening, with further strengthening into a depression around September 21–22, officials said on Saturday. Meteorologist Surendranath Pasupalak has indicated that the system could evolve into a deep depression by late September 22, setting the stage for widespread rainfall across Odisha. Rainfall activity is expected to begin on September 22 and continue till September 25, with heavy to very heavy showers likely on September 24–25. Should the system track northward, precipitation may extend till September 27 in several districts. Pasupalak clarified that while cyclone formation remains a possibility, its intensity would be moderate, ruling out fears of a severe storm. “Cyclone formation, if any, will be of small or medium intensity. Odisha should prepare for heavy rainfall rather than a severe storm,” said Pasupalak. The system is projected to cross the Odisha coast irrespective of cyclone development, bringing significant rainfall to both coastal and interior districts. Meteorologists have advised close monitoring of its trajectory, as any shift could prolong rainfall activity. With the monsoon still active, the upcoming spell is expected to ease lingering heat conditions while raising concerns over localized flooding. Authorities are preparing advisories for farmers and residents in vulnerable areas.