OHRC Seeks Report on Poor Amenities at Sub Divisional Hospital Talcher

Report by: Debaranjan Samal, Senior Çorrespondent , Odisha barta,

Talcher :- Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint filed by Deba Prasad Sahoo, a noted RTI activist, highlighting severe deficiencies in infrastructure and basic amenities at the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Talcher. In response, the OHRC has directed local health authorities to submit a report on remedial measures by November 7, 2025.

In a detailed letter addressed to the OHRC Chairperson, Sahoo described the alarming shortfall of patient amenities at one of the region’s most frequented healthcare facilities. According to the complaint, the hospital’s OPD faces an overwhelming influx of patients each morning, yet fewer than seven chairs are available for patients near the OPD and laboratory areas. This scarcity forces vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infirm, and pregnant women to stand in long queues, often leading to unsanitary and hazardous conditions as many sit on the ground in discomfort.

Mr. Sahoo pointed out that these conditions not only violate Indian Public Health Standards, which mandate sufficient seating and orderly facilities, but also breach the constitutional right to treatment with dignity under Article 21.

Upon reviewing the complaint, the OHRC recognized the matter as a significant public issue. The Commission has forwarded copies of the grievance to the CDMO Angul district and instructed to investigate and address the issues raised following submit of report by November 7, 2025.

The order emphasized the importance of ensuring humane and efficient service at government institutions and signaled the Commission’s intent to oversee necessary corrective measures.