Bargarh: Routine traffic at the tollgate in the town was disrupted for over five hours after a group of cancer patients and their escorts held up traffic Tuesday demanding a cancer hospital in the district.
Cancer patients led by United Forum for Cancer Hospital and hundreds of their supporters staged ‘road-roko’ from 10 am to 3pm. The agitators also took out a bike rally before reaching the meeting venue. The agitation disrupted traffic on the route as hundreds of vehicles were stranded along the tollgate.
Leaders of various social, political and student outfits joined the movement in support of the demand of cancer patients.
Notably, Bargarh district has the highest number of cancer patients in the state but lack of proper treatment has led to a sharp rise in the death of he patients.
Earlier, the state government has signed an MoU with the Tata Trust for establishment of a cancer hospital in the district. The absence of a cancer treatment facility has led to a sharp rise in the number of death of such patients.
Although the demand has been gaining wide-spread support in the district, the state government is yet to act on its promise. The residents have been holding meetings, rallies but to no avail.
PNN
