By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 31, 2015 : The tribal dominated Koraput district in South Odihsa has finally something to smile with chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday laying the foundation stone of the proposed medical college at Koraput during his one-day visit to the Maoist-hit district here.

“Establishment of a medical college in Koraput was a long-standing demand of the people of this region and it will go a long-way in strengthening the healthcare mechanism of the area,” the chief minister said.

The medical college will come up on over 52 acres land in Koraput town with an estimated cost of Rs 187 crore with 75 per cent Central assistance. The district headquarters hospital of Koraput will be attached to the college.

Also, the chief minister laid the foundation of four tribal girls hostels, two piped water supply projects for Borigumma block, a park in Koraput town among others.

Later in the day, Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the L V Prasad Eye Institute centre situated at Pitamahal in Rayagada district, a tribal museum and a library at the district headquarters town of Rayagada. Bhubaneswar.

“The eye institute is equipped with desired medical equipment and well trained staff to deliver excellent and equitable comprehensive eye-care services on a sustainable basis aiming to eliminate avoidable blindness in the region,” a release of the eye institute said.