The court emphasized urgent remedial measures to address health and safety issues in public hospitals.

ORDER :

S.C.B. MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL PROBLEMS

(i) UNAUTHORIZED STALLS ADJACENT TO THE BOUNDARY OF CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT AND LADIES HOSTEL

281. 31.07.2025

On 19.06.2025, the learned Advocates’ Committee has submitted a report mentioning therein that three nos. of unauthorized stalls are there adjacent to the boundary of Cardiology Department and Ladies Hostel and anti-social activities is going on there and the lady boarders residing in the hostel are suffering a lot.

Mr. Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, I.P.S., D.C.P., Cuttack appearing through virtual mode has filed an affidavit dated 31.07.2025 stating therein that he has issued instruction to Inspector in-charge of Mangalabag P.S., Cuttack U.P.D. with copy to the Asst. Commissioner of Police, Zone-II vide office letter no.1060/DCP(OJC-Cell) dated 07.07.2025 & Memo No.1061/DCP(OJC-Cell) dated 07.07.2025 circulating order of this Court vide order no.252 dated 03.07.2025 for its implementation. It is further stated that the Inspector in-charge of Mangalabag PS has submitted compliance report indicating action taken vide letter No.5009/MBG P.S. dated 29.07.2025 mentioning therein that three numbers of OPOLFED booths adjacent to the boundary of Cardiology Department and Ladies’ hostel of SCBMCH, Cuttack have been evicted and now the place is free from encroachment. It is further stated that regular patrolling has also been intensified by the Mangalabag Police in that area round the clock by utilizing PCR, 112 and Medical OP staff to prevent anti-social activities as well as obstruction on the road. Due to presence of staff, security personnel of SCBMCH, Cuttack, at present, there is no hindrance found in that area. It is further stated that security guards have been deployed for frisking and checking thoroughfare to the Ladies’ hostel. Apart from that, fencing & covering it with iron sheets has also been placed by the medical authority in front of the ladies’ hostel so that the lady boarders residing in the hostel feel secured and live in a healthy environment without any hindrance. It is further stated that the Inspector in-charge of Mangalabag P.S and ACP Zone-ll has also been directed to keep sharp look over the matter and take stern action against the anti-socials who are creating hindrance in that area as well as in the periphery of SCBMCH, Cuttack. The affidavit is taken on record.

(ii) MAINTENANCE OF HYGIENIC CONDITION OF CENTRAL KITCHEN

In the report dated 19.06.2025 of the learned Advocates’ Committee, it was also mentioned that the state of Central Kitchen where the food is being prepared and supplied to the patients is far from satisfactory. As per the report, food is not being prepared in a hygienic manner thereby endangering the well-being of the patients and the Advocates’ Committee presented photographs of preparation of roti manually for the patients.

Prof. Dr. Goutam Kumar Satapathy, Superintendent, S.C.B.M.C.H., Cuttack has filed an affidavit dated 29.07.2025, wherein it is stated the S.C.B.M.C.H., Cuttack is the premier hospital and tertiary Centre of the State having 2772 numbers of functional beds. However, surplus number of patients are being admitted and accommodated beside the beds and are being provided with medical services with diet facilities. The Indoor patients are being provided with cooked and dry diet thrice a day as per the indent received from different wards and departments. It is further stated that the dietary service has been outsourced. At present, the outsourcing agency M/s. Utkal Suppliers, Berhampur has been providing the service of diet supply (both cooked food and dry food) to the indoor patients. As per the National Health Mission (NHM) guidelines, the agency has been provided with the space, electricity and water supply in order to facilitate preparation and distribution of diet to patients. It is further stated that the agency was instructed for preparation of roti by using machines to maintain proper hygiene. Accordingly, the outsource