Cuttack SCB Medical faces heat; free hearse services under ‘Mahaprayan scheme’ lie defunct; admin apathy alleged

The state-run ‘Mahaprayan scheme’, which promises free transportation of deceased bodies from hospitals to homes, has reportedly collapsed at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. As a result, dedicated vehicles meant for the service have been lying defunct for weeks, leaving grieving families with no option but to pay exorbitant rates to private ambulance operators.

According to sources, one of the two hearses has remained inoperative since it met with an accident months ago, while the other has been grounded due to mechanical failure. As a result, Mahaprayan services at one of Odisha’s largest government hospitals have been completely stalled.

Vehicles Idle, Costs Shift to Public

Reports stated that despite being introduced just seven months ago with full facilities, such as stretchers and insulated interiors, the two specially modified vehicles have now become unusable.

One lies in disuse inside the hospital garage, while the other is parked in the hospital compound with tyre damage. Shockingly, it has been months, and no action has been taken to repair the same.

“This vehicle has been lying here for eight months because of a faulty tyre. An issue that can be fixed within an hour has taken so long. It is a clear case of administrative oversight and a lack of attention to patients’ woes,” said Suresh Mohanty, a social worker.

Reports also added that in the absence of the promised government facility, families of the deceased are being forced to hire private ambulances, sometimes at unaffordable rates.

Systemic Failure Beyond a Single Hospital?

The breakdown of Mahaprayan at SCB, the premier medical institution of Odisha, has sparked broader worries about the status of similar services in other districts.

“If this is the situation here in Cuttack, what must be the condition in rural hospitals?” questioned Mohanty.

The vehicles, procured with public funds and launched amid much political fanfare in December 2023, were meant to serve the most economically vulnerable sections. However, their alleged neglect has left many dismayed.

SCB Authorities Admit Lapse, Assure Action

Responding to mounting public criticism, SCB Registrar Subhash Chandra Ray admitted the lapse, stating, “A vehicle was damaged in an accident, and it was quite hard to find some of its parts. However, we have ordered them all, and they should reach here soon. Another of the vehicles has already been repaired, and services should resume shortly.”

However, this assurance comes too late for many families who have had to bear the financial brunt in recent weeks.

The incident has also raised concerns about the maintenance and oversight mechanisms built into the scheme, especially at a flagship institution like SCB.

It is also worth noting that no specific timeline could be obtained from the SCB authorities regarding the complete resumption of the Mahaprayan services and restoration of the concerned hearse vehicles.