Bhograi: With healthcare facilities almost non-existent in remote pockets of Bhograi block in Balasore district, quacks from West Bengal run illegal nursing homes and exploit patients. Many patients have died due to wrong treatment, a report said.
Most healthcare centres are plagued by staff shortage and infrastructure problems, and quacks are cashing in on the situation. The health department has failed to crack down on the quacks.
The result is that unregistered nursing homes and clinics are increasing in many areas, particularly on the border with West Bengal. Sources said three illegal nursing homes operate in Bhograi block, eight in Jaleswar block, five in Baliapal block and Basta block.
Recently a nursing home at Naguan Chhak hired a quack from West Bengal to abort the pregnancy of a woman. The quack was accused of molesting the woman. Locals had protested over the quack’s misbehaviour then.
CDMO Bibekanada Das said there are 20 registered nursing homes across the district and 10 others have applied for license.
He added that all the nursing homes should have the facilities mandated by guidelines. If any information is available about illegal nursing homes, raids will be conducted, he said.
PNN