Odisha Congress MLA praises 5T initiative, says health services have improved

Bhubaneswar: The State government’s 5-T initiative got praises from unusual quarters today. Congress MLA from Jeypore Tara Prasad Bahinipati lauded the programme in the State Assembly by saying that health services in Koraput district have improved a lot following the visit of 5-T Secretary VK Pandian recently.

Poor and tribals are getting health services free of cost after the establishment of the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, Koraput. “I thank Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the hospital,” said Bahinipati in the House.

Apart from Koraput district, people from four other districts are benefitted due to the Koraput medical college and hospital. Those who cannot afford to visit Visakhapatnam for treatment are getting quality health services at the Koraput hospital, the Congress legislator added.

He suggested for another visit of the 5T secretary to the medical college and hospitals in Koraput district so that people can avail improved services.

Replying to a query asked by Bahinipati on vacant doctor posts, Health Minister Naba Kishore Das said Koraput is one of the priorities of the Chief Minister. Assuring that vacant doctor posts will be filled up soon, the Minister added he would request the 5T Secretary to visit Koraput again.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Pradipta Naik took swipe at the State government over 5T programme while speaking outside the State Assembly.

He said Naveen Patnaik-led government is trying to fool people of the State and divert attention from other issues by implementing the 5T initiative.

“Many residents of scheduled areas lack basic facilities such as drinking water and proper roads. I cannot tell why the Congress legislator praised the 5T programme. Where he has changed in the scenario?” asked the Leader of Opposition.

It seems the State government is appeasing secretaries. The 5T Secretary is being treated as the Chief Secretary of the State, rued Naik.