Peaceful March Demands Better Healthcare at PRM Medical College and Hospital

Baripada... GOUR DAS GIRI Peaceful March Held Demanding Improved Healthcare Facilities at PRM Medical College and Hospital Baripada: A peaceful march was organised by MASA Army demanding immediate improvement in healthcare services, development of essential infrastructure and the provision of basic facilities for patients at Pandit Raghunath Murmu (PRM) Medical College and Hospital at Rangamatia in Mayurbhanj district. The march, led by MASA Army State President Sukulal Marandi, began from the PRM Medical College and Hospital campus after floral tributes were paid at the statue of Pandit Raghunath Murmu. The participants then proceeded to the office of the Mayurbhanj District Collector. Former President of MPC Autonomous College Banja Mahanti, environmentalist Vivekananda Pattnaik and senior journalist Sanjay Choudhury were also present at the beginning of the programme. After paying floral tributes at the statue of Pandit Raghunath Murmu, they encouraged the participants of the march. Later, a memorandum containing 14 demands, addressed to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, was submitted to Additional District Magistrate Dukhabandhu Nayak through the Mayurbhanj District Collector. MASA Army stated that lakhs of people in a large district like Mayurbhanj depend on PRM Medical College and Hospital for treatment. However, the organisation alleged that patients and members of the public have raised various concerns regarding the availability of doctors, specialists, nursing staff, medical equipment, emergency treatment and other basic facilities. According to the organisation, due to a shortage of emergency treatment and diagnostic facilities, many patients are reportedly referred to other places, particularly Cuttack, causing financial and mental hardship to patients and their families. The organisation also alleged negligence in the treatment of patients and held the hospital administration responsible for addressing such concerns. MASA Army further alleged that, instead of experienced specialist doctors, associate professors and professors regularly attending to patients, patients are often left under the care of postgraduate students undergoing training. The organisation expressed concern over the alleged impact of this situation on patient care. Major 14-Point Demands The major demands put forward by MASA Army include: Immediate filling up of all sanctioned doctor posts at the Medical College and Hospital. Ensuring the presence of doctors, nursing staff and healthcare workers during duty hours, along with regular monitoring. Providing all necessary modern medical equipment and ensuring that the equipment remains functional. Strengthening ICU, Emergency, Operation Theatre, Diagnostic and other essential medical services. Ensuring the continuous availability of blood, medicines and other emergency medical supplies. Providing adequate specialist doctors and treatment facilities to prevent unnecessary referrals. Improving sanitation, drinking water, toilets and seating facilities for patients and their attendants. Introducing an effective Grievance Redressal System for the prompt resolution of complaints from patients and their relatives. Conducting regular high-level inspections to ensure quality and timely services in all hospital departments. Further strengthening the overall infrastructure of the Medical College and Hospital. Making the CT Scan and MRI facilities operational immediately and opening the Blood Bank building at the earliest to provide services to the public. Opening all required healthcare and treatment departments and making them fully functional with adequate doctors, staff and equipment. Immediately repairing the road from Palbani to PRM Medical College and Hospital to ensure smooth transportation for ambulances and patients. Installing adequate streetlights from Palbani Square to the hospital. MASA Army State President Sukulal Marandi said that access to quality and affordable healthcare within their own district is a fundamental necessity for the people of Mayurbhanj. He stated that PRM Medical College and Hospital should be developed into a complete and advanced healthcare centre with the required number of doctors, equipment, specialised departments and proper infrastructure. He urged the government to seriously consider the 14-point charter of demands and take immediate and visible action. Otherwise, MASA Army would intensify its public movement in the coming days to protect the healthcare rights of the people of Mayurbhanj, he said. Among others, MASA Army State Working President Surya Narayan Murmu, District Vice-President Laxmikanta Baske, District Working President Tika Badal Marandi, Abinash Marandi, Shankar Baske, Bikram Murmu, Dasmat Soren, State Secretary Padma Lochan Murmu, Pesa Dula Murmu, Brajesh Murmu, Lal Mohan Baske, Maya Rabindra Hembram, Sanel Murmu, Subash Murmu, Ranjit Murmu, Kiran Marandi, Ranjit Tudu, Chitta Marandi, Tapan Majhi, Birbhim Marandi, Chandray Marandi, Badal Murmu, Raisen Murmu, Rishiraj Murmu, Bishu Murmu and Digbijay Soren, among others, participated in the march.