Healthcare in Odisha in doldrums: Sweeper treats patients at Puri PHC

Bhubaneswar: After treatment by a pharmacist in Kendrapara, now a sweeper has been found discharging the duties of a doctor in Puri district which speaks volumes about the existing health services on ground in Odisha.

A reality check on the working of the health care institutions carried by OTV found shocking evidences of a sweeper treating patients at Khajuria Primary Health Centre (PHC) on June 2.

The gates of the PHC were locked when OTV team had reached the place at 9 am. Later, a sweeper arrived at the spot, opened the PHC and started attending and issuing medicines to patients.

Also Read: Treatment Under Tree: Pharmacist Made Scapegoat In Kendrapara

“Madam (doctor ) is now on deputation and the pharmacist is on leave. So I had to issue medicines to those who turned up at the PHC today,” said Mrutyunjay Jali , sweeper.

Local residents allege that there is no fixed timing for opening of the PHC which is now reeling under neglect owing to lack of facilities and non-availability of doctors.

Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Harihar Patnaik on the other feigned ignorance about the incident when OTV brought the matter to his notice.