Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed Odisha’s Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department to conduct an inquiry into allegations regarding the non-functioning of an advanced rehabilitation facility built by the state government at Rs 20 crore at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar.
The Commission, acting on a petition filed by Advocate Akhand of Orissa High Court, has asked the Principal Secretary of SSEPD Department to submit the inquiry report within two weeks, reported IANS.
Akhand alleged in his complaint that the Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) at Capital Hospital has remained closed for more than a year.
The ARC, he pointed out, was established in March 2019 at a cost of Rs 20 crore by the SSEPD department.
“It was equipped with advanced robotic rehabilitation machines, prosthetic services and assistive technologies intended to provide specialised treatment and rehabilitation to persons suffering from stroke, neuromuscular disorders, brain injuries, polio and limb disabilities,” the complainant stated, adding that the facility also provided free artificial limbs and therapy to underprivileged persons.
However, the premises are allegedly locked, and the costly machines and infrastructure set up with public money remain unused for over a year.
Akhand claimed that the issue raises serious questions about the utilisation of the Rs 20-crore public investment made to establish the specialised rehabilitation facility.
He further said that patients, particularly those belonging to poor, rural and tribal communities, have been deprived of essential rehabilitation and assistive services.
“In view of the above, the Commission is of the considered view that the allegations levelled in the complaint, if true, are serious violations of the human rights of the victims,” NHRC said.
