Forget about other hospitals, even a medical college and a District Headquarters Hospital in Odisha are grappling with major problems and attracting attention for all the wrong reasons.
Take the case of Saheed Laxman Naik Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput. As per reports, the Oxygen plant set up in the hospital during the outbreak of Covid-19 is reportedly lying defunct. Even, some birds have built nests on the fans of the plant. Only one Oxygen plant of the hospital is currently in operation and most of the time, Oxygen cylinders are bought from outside to carry out treatment.
The Oxygen plant, which is currently lying defunct, was set up in 2021 by the then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. However, it malfunctioned only after six to seven months.
“An Oxygen plant set up in the hospital has been lying defunct for the last three years. It is quite unfortunate that the hospital authorities are taking no steps to repair the plant. The doctors in the hospital are referring patients to other hospitals due to inadequate Oxygen facilities,” rued Ramesh Chandra Biswal, a resident of Koraput.
In response to the allegation, SLNMCH Superintendent Sushant Kumar Sahu said, “I have informed the higher authorities about the malfunctioning of the Oxygen plant umpteen times. However, we have got no reply yet. We will inform our higher authorities again to take necessary measures.”
Similarly, Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital also portrays a sorry state of infrastructure. Apart from bed and water issues, as many as 60 air conditioners have allegedly vanished from the hospital.
As per reports, the hospital was shifted to a new building a few months back and new air conditioners were installed in the new building. However, a large number of air conditioners, LED lights and steel chairs have been allegedly stolen from the old building. It has been alleged that some employees of the hospital have either sold those articles or installed those in their own houses.
“Around 100 Air conditioners have been stolen by the CDMO, two managers and a local resident. CDMO himself is involved in the incident and that is the main reason why he is not conducting an inquiry,” alleged Congress leader Ranjit Das.
“CDMO, ADMO and the managers are involved in the incident. We will stage a protest for the suspension of the officials,” said Soumya Ranjan Pradhan, a social activist.
Following the allegations, Nayagarh Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) ordered a vigilance inquiry into the incident. Subsequently, Nayagarh District Headquarters Hospital authorities lodged a police complaint.
“Some air conditioners have been sent for repair. I will form a committee to enquire into the incident soon,” said Nayagarh CDMO Ramakant Panda.
