CAG picks holes in govt health sector in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 28:

Plans and programmes of the Odisha government have not been properly implemented in the three government-run medical colleges in the state during the period 2009-2014, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has pointed out in its report on General and Social Sector Audit.

Finance Minister Pradip Kumar Amat today presented the CAG report on General and Social Sector Audit in the Odisha Assembly today.

Lack of necessary infrastructure and non-availability of required number of ultra-modern equipment has affected studies and research in the three medical colleges, the CAG has said in the report. Dearth of requisite number of employees has affected patient care in these medical colleges, the report added.

The CAG has pointed out in its report that Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in hospitals attached to these medical colleges did not have sufficient number of beds to accommodate patients.

Two trauma care units in MKCG Medical College and Hospital and VIMSAR (earlier known as VSS Medical College and Hospital) built at a cost of Rs 3.54 crore are yet to become functional, the CAG has said in its report.

Administration of medicines past their expiry date has also been highlighted in the CAG report.