Opposition slams Odisha government over poor healthcare

Bhubaneswar: Delivery of healthcare services both in rural and urban areas is in a shambles, alleged Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra.

Mishra’s statements came after a pregnant woman was shifted to a hospital on a ‘bamboo raft’ owing to floods in Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district here on Friday.

The shocking visual of the woman being transported to hospital in such temporary arrangement has sparked widespread resentment over lack of adequate infrastructure in case of emergency situation.

Sources said, locals had made such arrangement to shift the pregnant lady after the bridge had collapsed due to floods.

Also Read:Unhealthy picture: Expectant mother carried across river in bamboo raft

“Healthcare delivery mechanism has gone for a toss in State and the condition particularly in remote and backward areas is in shambles. Government has failed to improve the health sector,” said Mishra.

BJD on the other hand has refuted such allegations leveled by the opposition leader.

“As the bridge had collapsed and with no other option, the woman was carried on a raft to the hospital. The Chief Secretary had reviewed the situation and has sought a detailed report by Monday. Efforts will be taken for restoration of infrastructure damaged by floods,” said BJD spokesperson Amar Satpathy.