Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

Angul: Though Odisha government is facing serious challenge in providing healthcare facilities to the public, the ready-to-use Mahanadi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MIMSAR) at Talcher in the district is yet to function due to the confusion over its management.

According to sources, MIMSAR has been built at a cost of around Rs 500 crore under Corporate Social Responsibly (CSR) of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL). The state-of-the-art 500-bed medical institute, which has 100 seats for MBBS, was likely to commence its session beginning 2020-21.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the State Government and MCL in this connection in 2014. However, the State government expressed its inability to run the institute later following which the company took the initiative to invite reputed medical institutions for running the college. Due to the prevailing confusion over the management process, the functioning of institute is yet to see light of the day.

“The BJP and BJD wanted to take credit for the project, which started in 2014. The infrastructure of the institute is fully ready. The academic block also started in 2019. But we don’t understand why it is yet to function,” said local congress leader Sasmita Behera.

However, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured that the medical college and hospital will function soon.

“The infrastructure of the medical is all ready. MCL and Health Ministry are mulling over its governance model. Very soon a decision will be taken regarding it and the institute will function,” said Pradhan.

Angul Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain also assured the speedy operationalisation of the institute soon.

“We have already discussed the issue with Coal India Chairman and other officials. We are hopeful to complete the process for running the medial institute soon,” said Swain.

(Edited by Suryakant Jena)

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