Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched the distribution of smart health cards under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana in Kandhamal district for the benefit of 6.5 lakh people.
Patnaik lauded Kandhamal district for its tourism and organic crops and described it as a land of gold.
“The district is known for its organic turmeric to the world and now it’s also known for its ecotourism potential,” he said. While directing the authorities to finish the Rs 500-crore Medical College Hospital work at Phulbani on priority, Patnanik said that as many as 100 students can be admitted here for medical education. The CM also laid the foundation of projects worth Rs 276 crore which would ensure infrastructure development.