Empty Promises, Zero Progress: Rayagada’s Healthcare Hopes Crushed Yet Again
Sudhansu Singh (Bureau chief Southern Odisha)
Rayagada, Odisha – Despite years of government promises, Rayagada district continues to wait for its much-needed medical college, exposing a cycle of neglect and broken commitments.
Decades of Delay, No Results
The tribal-dominated district, plagued by recurring outbreaks of diarrhea, malaria, and diphtheria, has been demanding better healthcare for years. In 2016, then-Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak announced a medical college, but no progress followed. Shockingly, even the current BJP government’s 2025-26 budget excluded Rayagada from its list of eight districts approved for new medical colleges.
Assurances Without Action
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, during his January 6 visit, reiterated the promise of a medical college. Yet, no Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared, and no funds have been allocated. The Adani Group’s proposal for a PPP-model medical college and hospital also remains stalled due to government inaction.
Public Anger Boils Over
MP Saptagiri Ulaka slammed the BJP government for “selling illusions,” while MLA Aplasma Sweema called it a “betrayal.” Despite groundwork at Barijhola by former Collector Shashi Bhusan Padhi and interest from the Tata Group at Kampo Maligaon village under Rayagada Block both bureaucratic delays and alleged political interference from Andhra-based lobbies have derailed progress.
A Future in Peril
With no funds, no DPR, and fading political will, Rayagada’s healthcare crisis deepens. As patients suffer and students lose hope of studying medicine locally, the question lingers: Will the government ever act, or is this another empty promise destined to fail?
