The Odisha government on Tuesday signed four MoUs for better delivery of healthcare services in the state.

The Health and Family Welfare Department inked the MoUs with Glocal Healthcare Systems Private Ltd, Kolkata; the Centre for Stem Cell Research, Christian Medical College, Velore; the Narayan Hrudayalaya and L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Bhubaneswar.

Glocal Health Care Systems joined hand with the state government for implementation of the digital dispensary project in 14 locations of Nawarangpur district in the first phase, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was present on the occasion.

This programme will be extended to another 11 locations of the district basing on the outcome.

These digital dispensary centres will function as an OPD with virtual consultation with doctors through video and facility for basic laboratory test and medication dispensing, to deliver quality primary healthcare free of cost to the patients.

The state government has made an allocation of Rs.4 crore per annum for this project.

The second MoU was signed with Centre for Stem Cell Research Christian Medical College, Vellore for better detection and treatment of thalassemia and sicklecell anaemia.

This will help reduce major haemoglobinopathy disorders through screening, counselling, pre-natal diagnosis with an appropriate technology and possible curative options.

"For treatment of thalassemia, sicklecell anaemia, the state government is going to establish a five-year collaboration with Christian Medical College with the use of best technology in diagnosis and treatment," said the Chief Minister.

In order to provide faster and better access to children detected with different heart diseases, the Odisha government entered into an MoU with Narayan Hrudayalaya. It is expected that through this MoU, children suffering from congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease can receive required surgery through Narayan Hrudaylaya on a sustained basis.

Signing of MoU with the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute will be helpful in providing specialised care to the needy children for treatment of congenital cataract and retinopathy.