Cancer treatment under tree: Odisha hospitals reeling under scourge of COVID19

Cuttack: The Covid-19 pandemic has virtually paralysed the healthcare services at Odisha's only government-run cancer hospital - Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC) in Cuttack.

With the outpatient department (OPD) of the hospital remaining out of bounds for patients, following detection of Covid-19 cases, cancer patients are facing considerable inconvenience in getting treatment.

The extent of misery faced by cancer patients was evident from the fact that patients are being provided treatment under a tree on the hospital premises. Patients were seen sitting under the trees as doctors treated them while maintaining social distancing. The doctors were also seen writing prescriptions at the vehicle parking lot.

“The staff asked me not to go closer to them and sit at a distance. I am waiting here, but the doctors have not come yet,” said a patient.

“When I asked a staffer, she asked me to wait. We are poor people and it is difficult for us to visit the hospital frequently by hiring auto-rickshaw to get treatment,” said another patient’s relative.

The hospital authorities were unavailable for comments.

So far, at least 124 persons that include patients, attendants and staff of AHRCC have tested positive for Covid-19.

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

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