An MLA was seen offering services to patients and prescribing medicines at a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Rajgangpur of Sundargarh in the absence of doctors.
CS Raazen Ekka, who holds a medical degree, took up the doctor’s duty at the hospital after patients complained that there were no doctors at the hospital since the past few days.
While the incident exposed the sorry state of affairs in government healthcare facilities at a tribal dominated place like Rajgangpur, the lawmaker received applauds from patients for his gesture. Patients in large numbers were seen visiting the health centre for health check-up.
The patients alleged that while the State government is patting its own back with claims of transforming the health services by including it under 5T initiative, the reality on the ground is completely different.
Speaking to the reporters, Congress MLA Ekka said, “I think we are failing in providing basic health services to the people. I had worked as a medical officer previously. I did not see any doctors since the last 3-4 days here. So, I took up the responsibility to see patients in the absence of doctors.”
“The health department should have looked after the patients. It is their responsibility. But if they fail, being the local MLA and a doctor at the same time, I came forward to see patients at the hospital,” he added.
Health department officials were unavailable for comments in this regard.