Berhampur: One year on since inauguration, the two super speciality blocks at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur is yet to see the light of the day.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had inaugurated the specialty blocks last year. Some crucial departments like heart surgery, plastic surgery, geriatric and nephrology operating inside indoor patient department (IPD)of the hospital were scheduled to be shifted to the new blocks as the old building was declared unfit in 2013.
But the construction of the new blocks is yet to be completed raising concerns among the patients and their relatives.
Abani Gaya, President of Manav Adhikar Surakhsha Macha said “Although huge amount of money has been spent for the welfare of the people, but the non-functional structure has become a mere object of display now. The concerned authorities have been dilly dallying in opening of the speciality blocks and giving us fake assurances.”
Bansidhar Bhuyan, a resident of Berhampur alleged that despite expenditure of Rs 56 crore for modern healthcare facilities, the condition of the hospital still remains to be same.
On the other hand, Dean of MKCG Hospital, Professor Radhamadhab Tripathy said that steps have already been taken to make the building functional within ten days.
“We had apprised the government about the development and the concerned authorities have already started the process of recruiting super specialty doctors. The building will start functioning within seven to ten days and the shifting of departments will be completed by December end,” Tripathy said.