Bhubaneswar: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), New Delhi, has approved 11 Post-Diploma DNB (Diplomate of National Board) seats across five broad specialities in three government medical colleges in Odisha, official sources said Wednesday.
The approved seats are in Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (TB&CD), and Anaesthesiology.
The seats have been approved at Sri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital in Puri, Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir, and Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Koraput.
Of the 11 seats, five will be reserved for doctors currently serving in Odisha, while the remaining six will be available under the All-India Quota.
Counselling for the newly approved seats will be conducted in Odisha for the first time.
The new Post-Diploma DNB training opportunities are expected to increase the availability of specialist doctors in the state and improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.
The initiative will also allow doctors already working in government service to pursue advanced postgraduate training and specialisation while continuing their careers.
Expressing his gratitude, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the development had been made possible under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
He said continued cooperation between the Centre and Odisha government was creating greater opportunities for medical education and training while strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
Mahaling said the approval of the Post-Diploma DNB seats would make it easier for specialist doctors trained through the Post-Diploma DNB programme to provide services at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Sub-Divisional Hospitals.