BJD opposes inauguration of Talcher medical college building

Angul: A controversy has surfaced over the inauguration of the new building of Talcher medical college following allegations that the whole process is being done in haste by the Centre.

BJD claimed that the new college is yet to get permission from the Medical Council of India(MCI) and even the infrastructure is not ready.

"The completion certificate of the building is yet to be received. There are no instruments and machines in the building and the MCI has also not given operational charge to anyone," said vice-president of BJD's Talcher block unit, Santosh Kumar Pradhan.

Talcher MLA Braja Kishore Pradhan said "It is still not clear how classes will go on at the college and how many beds will be there in the hospital. No order has been received from the MCI."

Responding to the allegations, senior BJP leader, Rudra Narayan Pani said that due to political reasons, BJD is opposing the inauguration ceremony. Pani also held Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik responsible for the delay in functioning of the Talcher medical college.

"The Odisha government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik are responsible for the delay in commencement of classes at the medical college," Pani said.

In 2014, a MoU was signed between Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd and the State government for setting up the 500-bed Talcher Medical college.

Back then it was decided that MCL will take charge of the functioning of the medical college, but the coal company later withdrew from the agreement.