JAGATSINGHPUR: Residents of Raghunathpur blocked the Cuttack-Nuagaon NH-55 at Tarikunda Bazaar on Tuesday, demanding apology from Tirtol MLA Ramakant Bhoi for allegedly misbehaving with a doctor.
The agitators said the BJD MLA visited the Ayushman Arogya health centre at Tarikunda and held a review meeting with Dr Biplab Jena and other staff. During the meeting, it was reportedly found that government-supplied medicines had not been procured. Later, Bhoi allegedly scolded Dr Jena in front of patients, leaving the doctor humiliated.
After news of the incident spread, hundreds of people led by local BJP leaders staged a protest and blocked the highway at Tarikunda Bazaar. Demanding an apology from the MLA, the protesters said Dr Jena was sincere and actively delivered healthcare services. He never neglected his duties as no complaints had been lodged against him, they said.
Tarikunda sarpanch Banmali Sahoo said the MLA had earlier instructed Dr Jena on three occasions to procure government-supplied medicines. However, in the absence of a pharmacist, procurement could not be completed, leading to shortage of medicines. When it was found that medicines were unavailable, the MLA expressed displeasure and asked the doctor to arrange supplies immediately.
Medical superintendent of Jagatsinghpur district headquarters hospital Saroj Jena said there had been no complaints from locals regarding healthcare services or against the doctor. He said the doctor had also not lodged any complaint against the MLA. Instructions have issued to the medical officer of Raghunathpur community health centre to ensure early supply of medicines.
Later in the day, police rushed to the protest site and held discussions with the agitators. The road blockade was lifted after around five hours following assurances from the authorities.