Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: In a major boost to Odisha’s healthcare education infrastructure, the National Medical Commission (NMC) approved 200 MBBS seats for two newly established government medical colleges in the state, officials said on Tuesday.

The Government Medical College in Phulbani and the Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Government Medical College in Talcher have each received approval for 100 seats, with academic sessions set to begin from the 2025–26 academic year.

Welcoming the development, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called the approval as a “milestone in Odisha’s journey toward strengthening health education.” He emphasized that over 200 Odia students will now have the opportunity to pursue medical education starting this year, marking a significant step toward self-reliance and equitable access to healthcare training.

The Phulbani Medical College, built over 50 acres at a cost of ₹548 crore, and the Talcher institution, supported by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, are part of the state’s broader strategy to expand medical education and healthcare services in underserved regions.

Since assuming office, the new state government has prioritized healthcare reforms and capacity building. The approval of these two colleges reflects the success of those efforts, according to CM Majhi. He reiterated the government’s commitment to continuous improvement in both healthcare delivery and medical education.

The addition of these 200 seats will raise Odisha’s total MBBS capacity to 2,650, significantly enhancing opportunities for aspiring doctors and helping address the shortage of medical professionals in the state.