Sambalpur, Feb. 27: The district headquarters hospital here today got a maternity and child health centre, which was inaugurated by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

The centre, which has come up at a cost of Rs 9 crore, has an operation theatre, labour room, sick neonatal care unit, immunisation centre, outpatient department for obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatrics. A 50-bed ward will also be there. Moreover, the new building also houses a seminar hall, library and skill development station. The national health (NHM) mission has provided the funds.

"The population of this district is over 11 lakh. This new centre will help tackle the pressure. For the time being, the existing staff members of the hospital will manage the new centre. We have written to the government to appoint new members for the maternity unit," said district programme manager of NHM, Manoranjan Sahu.

Hundreds of patients from across the district and neighbouring areas depend on this hospital. More number of beds and separate infrastructure for the mother and the newborn was much needed.

"Around 350 to 400 infants are born in the district headquarters hospital every month. This new unit is a gift to the people of this district," said a doctor of the district headquarters hospital.

Apart from inaugurating the maternity centre, Naveen also laid the foundation stone for two urban primary health centres, staff quarters at the district headquarters hospital, sewerage treatment plant and a new blood bank building at the headquarter hospital.

Naveen also inaugurated a Freedom Fighters Memorial Hall and Museum at the GS Park along the ring road. He also addressed a convention of construction workers and issued work order for construction of pucca houses to 138 beneficiaries.