Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report from the Odisha Government over the alleged prolonged non-functioning of Rs 20-crore Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) at Capital Hospital, where costly rehabilitation equipment is reportedly lying idle.
Acting on a complaint filed by rights activist Akhand, the NHRC directed the state government’s Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) department to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and submit its report within two weeks.
The Commission observed that, if the allegations were found to be true, the situation would amount to serious violations of the human rights of the affected persons.
The Advanced Rehabilitation Centre was established in March 2019 at a cost of Rs 20 crore by the SSEPD department to provide specialised rehabilitation services to persons suffering from stroke, neuromuscular disorders, brain injuries, polio and limb disabilities. The facility was equipped with advanced robotic rehabilitation machines, prosthetic services and assistive technologies aimed at providing specialised treatment and rehabilitation.
It also offered free artificial limbs and therapy to underprivileged persons. According to the complaint, however, the centre has remained non-functional for more than a year, with its premises allegedly locked and expensive equipment and infrastructure lying unused.
The complaint alleged that the prolonged closure has deprived patients, particularly poor people from rural and tribal areas, of essential rehabilitation, prosthetic and assistive services. The issue has also raised concerns over the utilisation of the Rs 20-crore public investment made to establish the specialised facility for persons with disabilities.
The NHRC, after considering the complaint, directed the concerned department to inquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report expeditiously within two weeks.