Cuttack: Cancer patients at the State government-run Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre in Cuttack have been suffering due to alleged irregularities in distribution of medicines meant for free supply under the Niramaya scheme.
The State government had earlier introduced Niramaya scheme which offers free medicines. However, it is alleged that patients are hardly getting any benefits even though the prescribed medicines are available with the hospital or at the Niramaya counters at the hospital.
Since one can get medicines here at a cheaper rate than the market price, patients from outside the State also visit the hospital for treatment.
“I was prescribed six medicines but could not find any from the counter. I am left with no option and will buy the medicines at exorbitant prices from the open market,” said an attendant of a patient, Bijaya Kumar Das.
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“I have bought medicines paying Rs 1,033 from a store outside the hospital. We are not getting any medicine from the hospital counters and surprisingly, advised to buy from outside,” alleged relative of another patient, Mahendra Parida.
Meanwhile, Lalatendu Sarangi, director of the cancer hospital, admitted to the problems being faced by the patients.
“There are some lacunae. I won’t deny. But we believe development is a continuous process and we will be able to overcome all these issues soon,” said Sarangi.
However, Surendra Chandra Mohapatra, president of Medical Banchao Committee, alleged that the illegal practice is being carried out by a big racket.
“Some influential people are involved in the racket. The government must take immediate steps to nab the culprits and save the poor people from getting exploited,” Mohapatra added.
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