Jamankira: While patients battled for their lives, the Jamankira hospital premises under Sambalpur district became the setting for an Independence Day celebration amid mud, stagnant water and unhygienic conditions.
Local representatives and government officials stood under a waterproof tent to hoist the National Flag, while hundreds of students, members of the public and programme organisers were left standing in the open for nearly one-and-a-half hours.
The alleged administrative apathy and mismanagement sparked widespread resentment among local residents, who questioned the manner in which this year’s Independence Day celebration was organised.
According to sources, the Ja mankira block administration and the organising committee had decided to hold the Independence Day function on the playground inside the premises of the Primary Health Centre at the block headquarters.
During a preparatory meeting held earlier, intellectuals and local residents had reportedly suggested that the programme should not be organised at a hospital, which is a sensitive and peaceful place, and that an alternative venue should be selected.
However, their suggestions were allegedly ignored. Following incessant rain, the condition of the playground had deteriorated considerably.
Paver blocks, sand and stone chips were lying scattered across the premises, while rainwater had accumulated at several places, creating muddy patches and potholes.
Despite the adverse conditions, a dry stage and a waterproof tent were arranged for administrative officials and invited guests.
In contrast, hundreds of students and members of the public were reportedly made to stand in the open amid mud, drain water and unhygienic surroundings for around 90 minutes.
The decision to hold the function on hospital premises has also raised concerns over noise pollution. Despite hospitals being considered silence zones, loudspeakers were reportedly used at a high volume during the event.
The harsh sound from the microphones allegedly caused physical and mental distress to seriously ill patients undergoing treatment at the facility. Block chairperson Ashrita Bhoi hoisted the national flag.
BDO Rabindra Kumar Sethi, tehsildar Praveena Bilung, ABDO Mahima Sahu, additional tehsildar Sourav Sahu, ABEO Debaki Naik, assistant executive engineer Satyapriya Sahu, the MP’s representative and several other block-level officials and employees were present on the occasion.