Sambalpur: Scheme to Rob the Poor in DHH: Cleaners Demand Money after Dressing
Sambalpur: The Chief Minister has inaugurated the 73rd “Aama Hospital” across 15 districts in the state. During the launch, the Chief Minister highlighted that these hospitals were revamped under the 5T with improvements in fundamental facilities and service delivery systems. The primary hospital in Sambalpur district is also among the transformed facilities. However, the Sambalpur District Headquarter Hospital (DHH) is facing significant challenges due to poor service quality. While the government intends to provide free services to the needy, some Sambalpur DHH employees are now planning to loot them.
While the Chief Minister promises to improve healthcare quality in our hospitals, a disturbing situation has arisen in Sambalpur, where sanitation workers are apparently dressing critically ill patients. Surprisingly, these workers not only dress patients but also charge them for their services. A recent example involved a cleaner dressing a very ill attendant and charging 200 rupees for the service. When questioned, the cleaner became irritated and challenged the attendant, resulting in a disturbance on the hospital grounds on Sunday evening. Despite the government’s initiative to provide free dialysis services at healthcare centers, there have been charges of extortion in the healthcare system.
The situation of cleaning workers taking on the role of dressing patients in Sambalpur District Headquarter Hospital (DHH) is not a recent occurrence. Prior instances of cleaning staff engaging in dressing duties have been brought to light. Surprisingly, despite being aware of these incidents, the hospital authorities have chosen to remain silent.
ADMO Dr. Alekh Mahapatra stated that there are dedicated dressers assigned for dressing tasks, and it is their responsibility. He acknowledged that in emergencies where 5-10 injured individuals arrive suddenly, nearby cleaning staff might assist. However, he emphasized that this should not become a regular practice. However, concerns remain about why the hospital authorities are remaining silent and appear to support the cleaning staff in this case.
