In a significant boost to medical education and specialist healthcare services in Odisha, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), New Delhi, has approved 11 post-diploma Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats across three government medical colleges in the state. The three colleges that have received the recognition are 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 total 11 seats, five have been reserved for doctors already serving in the Odisha government health services, while the remaining six will be available under the All-India quota. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling said the approval would strengthen specialist services at the primary healthcare level. “Under the double-engine government, these specialist doctors will be able to serve at Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and sub-divisional hospitals,” he stated.