Upgradation of MKCG Medical College demanded

South Odisha Students’ Association (SOSA) has demanded up-gradation of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in the city to AIIMS-like institution under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Members of SOSA have written to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requesting him to initiate measures for the purpose. It may be noted that MKCG Medical College and Hospital that was established in 1962 would celebrate its golden jubilee on December 1. It happens to be the only medical college and referral hospital in south Odisha. But at present lack of infrastructure in this institution was compelling patients to reach out private medical institutions outside the State, SOSA activists alleged.

Several times in the past the Medical Council of India has pointed out shortage of staff, lack of modern equipment and infrastructure in MKCG Medical College and Hospital. But till now nothing much had happened regarding the suggestions of the MCI part from promises. SOSA demanded the State government initiate measures so that the medical college could be transformed into a centre of excellence for medical education providing quality medical care to the people of underdeveloped southern parts of Odisha. According to president of SOSA R.P. Tripathy, the MKCG Medical College and Hospital could be upgraded to an AIIMS-like institution. Source: The Hindu

Link:  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/upgradation-of-mkcg-medical-college-demanded/article4145498.ece

Mondei festival begins on a colourful note in Nabarangpur

NABARANGPUR: The three-day mega cultural festival of Nabarangpur district - Mondei- 2009 - began in Nabarangpur at the Maa Bhandargharni temple. Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatro, Revenue Minister Surya Narayan Patro, Science and IT Minister Ramesh Majhi and District Collector Roopa Mishra performed the puja at the temple and a colourful procession was then taken out which culminated at the Mondei ground.
The main function was inaugurated by the MP at the Mondei Ground in the evening. On the occasion, the Revenue Minister recalled the glorious tradition of the district and said Mondei helps in giving a boost to the local culture and at the same time, give a chance to local artistes to exhibit their talents to a larger audience. Mohapatro said experts should be recruited during the Mondei festival to train the local artistes.
At the inaugural function, troupes from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Konark, Ganjam, Bargarh and Puri besides local troupes from a number of blocks in the district staged shows.
Source: New Indian Express