Cuttack: Allegations of massive irregularities in the maintenance and repair of Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) here have come to the fore after the work department declared the outpatient department (OPD) building as unsafe.
Social activists have alleged that crores of rupees have been misappropriated by some government officials on the pretext of renovating buildings at the premier hospital.
Sources said the state government had spent around `1 crore for renovation of the OPD building, which is a 72-year-old structure, a year ago. However, the work and housing department declared the building as unsafe a couple of days ago and asked the hospital management to shift OPD elsewhere.
Some city-based social activists have demanded a vigilance probe into the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for repair and maintenance of buildings at SCBMCH. A voluntary organisation has started a signature campaign to press for an investigation by the vigilance department.
“We will seek the help of judiciary for an investigation into the irregularities if vigilance department does not listen to our demand,” said social activist Achyut Kumar Sahu.
A few intellectuals, meanwhile, criticised SCBMCH authorities for their failure to shift the OPD out of the said unsafe building. “At least 4,000 patients visit the OPD every day. The hospital authorities have failed to shift the department elsewhere even though the work department had declared the existing building as unsafe at least 5 days ago. Who will take responsibility if there is an untoward incident at the OPD?” asked social activist Deepak Acharya.
According to sources, SCBMCH authorities are facing problems in finding a suitable building to house the OPD department. “We may erect a makeshift structure on the hospital premises to accommodate the OPD,” said hospital superintendent Pratap Rath.
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