Devbrat Patnaik

Puri: Following his visit to the Cyclone Fani-affected areas in Puri and Konark, Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday slammed BJD-led Odisha Government for its alleged failure in providing adequate healthcare services to the people in the district.

To review the situation, Azad met people injured in Fani and a few other patients at the Puri District Sadar Hospital yesterday.

During the UPA regime, he said he had recommended for construction of a Medical College and Hospital in Puri. However, even after five and half years it has not been possible, he alleged. Citing this, Azad later raised questions on the execution of promises made by the State government to the people of Odisha.

"Over all these years, patients are being treated at an old building while there is only one building for treatment of children. Odisha government is not committed towards development of education and healthcare services and it shows," said a distressed Azad.

Laying stress on restoration of electricity and water supply on war footing, the Congress leader also demanded 50 kg rice, Rs 2,000 financial assistance and cooked food for the affected people as per the promises made by the State government. "There have been massive damages to infrastructure, environment and livelihood. As announced, the government should provide cooked food for 15-20 days," he stated.

He further said that he will apprise the government about the people's plight.

However, Odisha government officials are yet to respond to Azad's allegations on the 'deteriorated' healthcare services.

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