Chandrapur: An Ayurvedic hospital in Hanumantpur panchayat under this block in Rayagada district has been transformed into a school due to the lack of doctors and other facilities. Even though it is one of the oldest health institutions in the locality, no medical facilities are available.
The hospital in Chandrapur since last couple of decades had been a dilapidated condition. The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) demolished the building and constructed a new one with the hope that the hospital would flourish. But it did not happen.
Local residents complained that the doctor posted at the hospital stays in Rayagada. “He is absent for months. He visits the hospital may be once in three months. However, he draws his salary on a regular basis,” said a large number of people among whom were Sambhu Gadaka and Shankar Pradhani.
The locals have also written to the district collector highlighting their plight. They have also mentioned that the doctor and peon are drawing their salaries every month, though they are not attending duty.
Most of the people living in the vicinity of the hospital are not well off. So this was their only place for treatment in case of someone falling ill. There have been cases where patients have died due to lack of medical facilities.
With a school being run on the hospital premises, the villagers have urged the collector to intervene and restore the hospital with facilities.
Dr Subodh Kumar Boda, who is in charge of the hospital, said that he has plenty of other duties to attend to. “I have been entrusted with four additional charges including the upkeep of Dimiriguda hospital in Muniguda block,” he said.
“The new building is yet to be officially handed over to us. However, I will go to Hanumantpur to assess the situation and do the needful,” he added.
PNN