Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over brokers and middleman doing brisk business in government hospitals, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday instructed superintendents of police to free middlemen from hospitals.
Naveen gave the direction while interacting with collectors, SPs, chief district medical officers (CDMOs) and other doctors about ‘Mo Sarkar’ initiative that will be launched October 2.
“I know middlemen interfere in the provision of health services. The superintendents of police present here will ensure that hospitals are free from such middlemen and take tough action against them,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements of his government in healthcare sector, he said, “We had the sharpest fall in IMR among states and the world recognised our efforts in Malaria.”
Patnaik reminded the doctors about the mango kernel incident of Kashipur in 2001 and said he visited the place at that time and found a bright spot amidst the gloom in the form of a local doctor who was listening to people more than administration and the police could do.
“In fact there were four IAS probationers deputed to Kashipur at that time. I told them to learn from him and follow the good work that he was doing,” Naveen told the CDMOs.
The budgetary provision on health sector in state has been increased from Rs 514 crore in 2000 to Rs 7,000 crore this year. Besides, the number of medical colleges has been enhanced to seven while 12 other medical colleges are coming up soon, he said.
“Therefore, it is important that we take feedback from people about our services. Through the Mo Sarkar initiative, I will talk to patients who have availed our services. And everybody in the system will also do the same and take immediate follow up action,” he suggested.
5T secretary VK Pandian said it is necessary to provide quality and free healthcare service to the people to fulfil Chief Minister’s dream of “Sustha Odisha, Sukhi Odisha” (Healthy Odisha, Happy Odisha).
Pandian instructed concern medical officials and police to make public services like blood bank, dialysis and ambulance free from middlemen.
Health minister Naba Kishore Das, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, Police DG BK Shrama and development commissioner Suresh Mohapatra were present.