Balasore: A doctor of a community health centre (CHC) in Odisha’s Balasore district was caught on camera while allegedly demanding Rs 100 to write a prescription for patients.
The doctor, however, had no qualms in admitting the blatant violation of government regulations.
The incident has been reported from the CHC at Gopalpur in Bahanaga block.
On being asked about the immoral and illegal demand for money at a government hospital, the doctor came up with a queer reply. “There is a footfall of at least 400 patients a day at the emergency ward. Charging money is not legal, but is the government following all rules and regulations,” he said, when questioned by the person recording the conversation stealthily.
Worth mentioning that Gopalpur CHC caters to patients from Bahanaga and Remuna blocks. While they are eligible for free treatment at the government facility, the doctor’s act and its justification was incomprehensible, locals said.
According to sources, a complaint in this regard has been made before Chief Minister Mohan Majhai and Health and Family Welfare Department Minister Mukesh Mahaling. Though no action has been initiated so far, an investigation has been launched into the video that has surfaced on social media, the sources added.
