Bhubaneswar: The newly established Odisha University of Health Sciences (OUHS) celebrated its first Foundation Day on Tuesday in its University Campus at Sishu Bhawan Square here.
Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and addressed the employees, and dean-cum-principals of affiliated Medical, and Health Science Institutions of the University. The Odisha University of Health Sciences Act was passed in 2021, and this University was established on 5th March, 2023, and it’s the 17th Health University of the country.
As many as 300 colleges / institutions of the State offering medical, dental, ayurvedic, homoeopathy, nursing, pharmacy and allied paramedical courses have been affiliated to this University from the academic session 2023-24.
State Development Commissioner-Cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources, and Planning & Convergence Department Anu Garg, Commissioner-Cum- Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department Shalini Pandit, and Commissioner-Cum- Secretary of Higher Education Department Aravind Agarwal addressed the august gathering.
Vice Chancellor Prof Datteswar Hota informed that the University on completion of its first year has attained the objective set by the state to bring all colleges imparting medical and allied health science courses under one University, and to streamline the quality of education in respective field of studies. He also informed that meanwhile the University has instituted 31 number of Under Graduate and Post Graduate Courses offering 91 Specializations including Broad and Super Speciality and have formulated its Regulations in conformity with apex regulatory bodies wherever exists. He further emphasized on the planned research ecosystem in the medical institutions affiliated to the University. He further endorsed the cooperation and support received from the State government departments in operationalizing the University to a functional one.
In his address, the Chief Secretary has lauded for the progress made by the University during this year. He also praised the University authorities working with commitment by giving importance to quality health education. He suggested that the University should act as a regulator to address various challenges faced by the State including climate change health related issues.
In her key note address, the DC-cum-ACS stated that there is a need to provide varieties of useful training and research through this University in coordination with the Department of Higher Education, Department of Skill Development and Technical Education, Department of H&FW, etc., which will greatly benefit the students pursuing health and medical education. He advised the University authorities on different aspects and hopes this University be a Centre of excellence in coming days.
Registrar of the University Santoshi Sahoo presented the Annual Report of the University, and Comptroller of Finance Goutam Pradhan proposed vote of thanks.
