Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana being launched on Sunday will prove to be a milestone in providing healthcare facilities in the country.

Addressing a rally in Talcher Odisha, Mr Modi said, the scheme provide medical cover of up to Rs. 5 lakh to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families.

Prime Minister said, central government is making all-out efforts to improve healthcare facilities in the country.

Prime Minister said Centre has given Rs. 570 crore for medical colleges in Balasore, Baripada, Bolangir, Koraput, Puri and Rourkela.

Prime Minister said, Centre is spending 360 crore rupees for modernisation of medical colleges in Cuttack, Burla and Behrampur so that the people of Odisha need not go to other places for treatment.

Earlier, Mr Modi launched commencement of work for revival of Talcher fertilizer plant.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, the plant, which will start production in 36 months, will use latest technology.

Prime Minister said, the fertiliser plant will produce 1.27 million tonne of neem-coated urea – a crop nutrient, and will use coal-gasification technology to produce feedstock for the plant.

He said, Rs. 13,000 crore fertiliser plant will help cut import of natural gas and fertiliser and make India self-reliant.

Prime Minister said, projects like the fertiliser plant in Talcher are central to India’s growth story.

Mr Modi said, the project will generate employment for about 4,500 people.

The project is being executed by a consortium of PSUs, which Mr Modi said, is a shining example of how the country’s ‘crown jewels’ can work together.

Prime Minister also inaugurated Jharsuguda Airport. The airport will bring western Odisha on the country’s aviation map, and facilitate regional air connectivity through the government’s UDAN scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, Connectivity is at the core of all round development and Government has devoted significant efforts to enhance connectivity all over the country. He said, India’s aviation sector is being transformed rapidly.

Prime Minister said, this airport in Jharsuguda is well located to serve the needs of the people of Odisha and this is going to be the second airport in the state.

Mr Modi said, these development works will greatly benefit the people of Odisha.

Mr Modi also dedicated the new Jharsuguda-Barapali-Sardega railway line and two coal mines of MCL and NTPC in Sundargarh district to the nation.