Samalpur, Feb. 15: Various sections of people, including students and teachers of Veer Surendra Sai Medical College and Hospital in Burla, have welcomed the state government’s move to convert the institute into a university.

The institute was set up in 1959.

VSS principal Santosh Behera said: “Faculty members and students of the institutions are very happy. The institution can now spend funds to procure equipment. It can also recruit employees. The university status will pave way for several research activities in the institution. The students will benefit with research activities.”

Former superintendent of the medical college Guna Sagar Das said: “Things will become easier now. The patients will also be benefited.”

President of the Odisha Medical Teachers’ Association Anup Satpathy has termed the decision as a landmark regarding development of the hospital, which caters to a large section of poor patients from the region.

He said the decision to upgrade VSS Medical College into VSS Institute of Medical Science and Research would address issues such as staff shortage and appointment of doctors.

“Students will find the opportunity for several research activities in the institution,” said postgraduate student Nilamahaba Pusty.

“Though it is a delayed decision, we welcome the move,” said Prasanna Sau, a health activist of Burla.