In a disturbing incident, doctors at a community health centre in Deogaon of Bolangir district, were forced to treat patients using a mobile phone’s torchlight after a sudden power outage, sources said on Friday.
Also Read: Odisha hospital treating patients under mobile light for years!
The incident occurred on Thursday when two patients were undergoing treatment. Midway through the procedure, electricity supply was disrupted.
With no alternative backup system like a generator or inverter in place, the attending doctor had no choice but to continue the treatment using a mobile torchlight.
Eyewitnesses and local residents have expressed serious dissatisfaction, questioning the preparedness and infrastructure of the medical facility. The health centre is a critical hub for over 50 surrounding villages, making this lapse all the more alarming.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been no official response from the hospital authorities or local administration so far.
The incident has once again highlighted the grim reality of rural healthcare in Odisha, where even basic infrastructure is lacking in crucial institutions meant to serve the most vulnerable.
“When the power supply gets disrupted, the doctors treat patients here with the help of mobile torchlight. This is the lone hospital in Deogaon block. I appeal to the Health Minister to make necessary arrangements in this regard, so that patients would benefit a lot,” a local resident, Sachin Parua, expressed.
“I had brought an accident victim to the hospital for treatment,” Sachin Parua stated.
“Our Health Minister belongs to this district. Hence, I request him to take appropriate steps. If he will not listen to our requests, whom else would we appeal?” the man added.
Rebecka Menjivar
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