Boudh: The long-awaited expansion of the Boudh District Headquarters Hospital has hit a major roadblock. The 300-bed multi-storey new building stands complete. Yet, it remains unused a clear example of how red tape can stall public healthcare progress in Odisha.
Every day, more patients rely on the hospital. However, the shortage of beds and modern medical facilities limits treatment. To solve this crisis, officials launched construction of the new hospital block in 2021 through a private contractor. They aimed to finish within two years. The structure is ready, yet the project suffers from the Boudh District Hospital new building delay. This is caused mainly by land and approval problems.
During an intellectual conference near Mausi maa Temple, Biseswar Prusti, editor of the Citizen Committee, shared details about the issue. He led a sharp discussion. He explained that the building, meant to reduce patient pressure, now reflects administrative inefficiency.
Officials confirmed that the delay began with land lease approval problems. The District Collector’s office sent the file to the North RDC for clearance. However, the site’s total area exceeded the RDC’s authority, forcing them to forward it to the Board of Revenue, Cuttack. The discovery of two water bodies within the proposed land added to the confusion. As a result, the district administration revised and resubmitted the proposal.
The site selection committee later approved a new 8.199-acre proposal, but the process again slowed down. Sources said the RDC office has not moved the file for more than a month.
Because the hospital lacks a permanent land lease, officials cannot obtain a fire safety certificate. Nor can they install key medical equipment like X-ray, ECG, and CT scan machines.
Civic leaders expressed frustration over the Boudh District Hospital new building delay. They urged the government to clear the obstacles quickly. Until authorities act, patients in Boudh will keep struggling for proper medical care. This happens even though a fully constructed hospital block stands ready for use.
“This is not just about a building it’s about saving lives,” said Parshti, stressing that the government must make the new block operational without further delay.
