Amid the tall claims of Odisha government that the healthcare services in the State has improved a lot, frequent power outage at the Jajpur district headquarters hospital (DHH) has raised serious concerns.
According to sources, power cut has become a commonplace at the healthcare facility, which continues for hours, adversely affecting the healthcare services.
In the absence of electricity, patients are allegedly treated with the help torch and mobile flash lights.
During power cut, the outpatient department (OPD), medicine OPD, injection room and medicine counter remain in darkness.
Nityananda Behera, relative of a patient, said, “I have brought my son to the hospital after he was bitten by a fly. However, the staff said there is power cut and asked us to wait.”
Meanwhile, questions are being raised as to why the hospital authorities do not have emergency power backup or not adopting alternative measures despite the persisting power cut issue.
Responding to the allegations, Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) Anup Nath Sharma said that the technical glitches developed in the generator have already been repaired.
"The power supply is normal now. I have sought an explanation from the electrician why the generator is not kept ready in view of the frequent power cut,” he said.