Odisha Secures First-Ever Approval for 11 Post-Diploma DNB Seats
Odisha has achieved a historic milestone with the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), New Delhi, granting approval for 11 post-diploma DNB (Diplomate of National Board) seats across three government medical colleges.
The sanctioned seats cover key specialities including Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Tuberculosis & Chest Diseases, and Anaesthesiology.
The institutions benefiting are Sri Jagannath Medical College & Hospital (Puri), Bhima Bhoi Medical College & Hospital (Balangir), and Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College & Hospital (Koraput).
Of the 11 seats, five are reserved for in-service doctors serving in Odisha’s government health services, while six will be available under the All-India quota.
For the first time, counselling for these seats will be conducted within Odisha.
Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling hailed the approval as a transformative step, emphasising that it will strengthen specialist services at the primary healthcare level, including PHCs, CHCs, and sub-divisional hospitals.
He credited the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, calling the development a milestone in expanding medical education and healthcare access in the state.
This initiative is expected to enhance the availability of specialist doctors, allow in-service medical professionals to pursue advanced training without leaving government service, and improve healthcare delivery for the people of Odisha.
