Odisha: The construction of VIMSAR Super Speciality Hospital at Burla in Sambalpur was completed in 2017 but it is yet to become operational even after six years due to alleged apathy and delays by the Odisha government and hospital authorities. As per reports, the infrastructure of the hospital, built by a Visakhapatnam-based company, is all set to become operational. However, according to VIMSAR Director Bhabhagrahi Rath, some specialist doctors for various departments are yet to be appointed and hence the hospital is yet to become operational. “Some works are still to be completed at the hospital. We have just received fire and lift approvals. We are going through various procedures including water and electricity connections. We cannot start the hospital without ensuring safety procedures as we will be responsible in case of any accident in future.
” The hospital will be made operational after following all rules and regulations. VIMSAR staff will work there. Some more posts have been created and we have written to the government to fill the posts. According to local residents, after the VIMSAR Super Specialty Hospital becomes operational, people of western Odisha will not have to depend on Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for treatment. Even patients from neighbouring state Chhattisgarh will benefit from this hospital. “The hospital cannot run in the building alone. Specialist doctors and other staff are required to keep the hospital running. However, the current management body of the hospital does not have the authority to appoint doctors,” said local resident Laxmidhar Mohanty.
