Alleged neglect, corruption at SCB Cuttack: BJD student wing’s protest faces doctors’ ire

Tension prevailed at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BJD’s student wing) staged a protest on the campus, alleging rampant mismanagement, corruption, and neglect.

The protestors cited growing frustration among patients, including many of whom travel long distances for treatment. Student leaders accused the administration of failing to ensure timely care, manage rising patient loads, and curb the influence of middlemen within the campus.

Allegations also pointed to stagnant investment in medical infrastructure, particularly the absence of increased manpower and logistical support, despite the hospital’s growing intake.

The BJD student wing submitted a detailed memorandum to the SCB Superintendent demanding immediate government intervention, warning that if corrective steps are not taken, they will escalate the agitation into a statewide protest.

Flashpoint Over Protest Site

The protest, however, has sparked friction between the student body and the SCB Junior Doctors’ Association, which raised concerns over the venue of the demonstration.

With the SCB Superintendent’s office situated adjacent to the women’s hostel, junior doctors argued that political protests in the vicinity could compromise law and order and disrupt academic sanctity.

The Junior Doctors' Association, while not contesting the concerns raised, has opposed any form of demonstration near sensitive zones within the campus, urging political outfits to shift their protest to more appropriate public venues.

Deepening Crisis at Premier Medical Institution

During their protest, the BJD group claimed that SCB Medical College, a lifeline for patients from across Odisha and neighbouring states, has been repeatedly flagged for systemic issues.

Long waiting times, inadequate sanitation, a shortage of essential supplies, and a pervasive network of brokers who exploit patient vulnerability were among the key issues alleged.