Bhubaneswar: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) marked a significant milestone today by organizing its first-ever Healthcare Summit in Bhubaneswar. Under the theme “Integrating Innovation, Wellness and Care for a Healthier Tomorrow,” the summit brought together key stakeholders to strategize on enhancing Odisha’s healthcare ecosystem.
The event was formally opened by Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha. In his inaugural address, Dr. Mahaling underscored the state’s unwavering dedication to bolstering its healthcare infrastructure and medical education. He shared significant developments, including the upcoming establishment of eight new government medical colleges, one Ayurvedic college, and four government dental colleges.
Furthermore, he highlighted the successful recruitment of over 4,000 doctors and paramedical staff in the last year, with an ambitious target of recruiting more than 5,000 additional medical personnel this year. The Minister also committed to filling 1.5 lakh vacant government posts across various sectors within the next five years.
Mr. Sunil Gupta, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, emphasized Odisha’s increasing prominence in the national healthcare arena and stressed the crucial role of public-private partnerships in driving future growth. Dr. Alok Srivastava, Convenor, CII Odisha Healthcare Panel, shed light on Odisha’s promising prospects in medical device manufacturing, the imperative of innovation, and the vast potential for medical tourism. He articulated, “Affordable healthcare, local innovations, and entrepreneurship are key to transforming Odisha’s healthcare sector. Medical tourism is poised to grow significantly, and Odisha can benefit immensely.” Mr. G. Suresha, Vice Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, concluded the inaugural session by extending gratitude to all participants.
The summit featured four comprehensive technical sessions designed to spark collaboration, innovation, and investment. Topics included: “Healing Meets Heritage: Unlocking Odisha’s Potential as a Medical Tourism Hub,” exploring how the state’s cultural assets can attract healthcare travelers; “Wellness Beyond Wages: Holistic Worker Health in Manufacturing Hubs,” focusing on comprehensive wellbeing for industrial workers; “Smart Health: AI and IoT Integration Boosting Startups,” examining technology’s role in healthcare innovation; and “Health Insurance & Financing: Reaching the Last Mile,” addressing expanded access to financial protection. Alongside these sessions, an exhibition and dedicated B2B and B2G meetings were held to facilitate strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.
The CII Healthcare Summit 2025 successfully convened healthcare leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, investors, and wellness experts, providing a dynamic platform to advance Odisha’s journey towards becoming a leading healthcare and wellness hub in Eastern India. Key focus areas included medical equipment manufacturing, digital health, hospital infrastructure, medical tourism, health insurance, wellness, and investment promotion.