By Sunil Jena | Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia
In a quiet but powerful statement, Odisha’s healthcare system has just been exposed — not by the Opposition, not by the media, but by the Chief Minister’s wife.
Reports suggest that the MRI machine at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack — considered Odisha’s top government hospital — has been lying defunct. As a result, even Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s wife had to go outside to get her MRI scan done. This one incident has raised a much larger question: If this is the state of SCB, what must be the condition of district and sub-divisional hospitals across the state?
A Silent Report Card for Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling?
This episode, though seemingly administrative, is deeply political. It’s being seen as a silent report card handed to Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and not a very good one at that. A critical machine like an MRI scanner being out of order for days or weeks is not just a technical issue — it’s a systemic failure.
At a time when the public is being urged to trust government healthcare, this situation has only reinforced people’s doubts. In many rural areas, access to basic health services remains a daily struggle. If SCB, with its resources and reputation, can suffer from such neglect, it’s a warning bell for the entire state.
Will CM Mohan Majhi Take Action?
The ball now lies in Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s court. Will he act against his minister? Will there be accountability or yet another round of eyewash explanations?
Historically, Odisha has witnessed both silence and scapegoating. But now, with growing public awareness and scrutiny, people expect visible accountability. This situation allows the Chief Minister to send a clear message — that governance is not just about slogans but action.
Restoring Public Trust: Beyond Repairs
Fixing the MRI machine is the minimum. The people of Odisha want a government that ensures such situations don’t arise in the first place. This means:
- Regular audits of hospital equipment
- Transparency in maintenance records
- Action against negligence
- Clear responsibilities and follow-up mechanisms
As Florence Nightingale once said, “The first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.” Odisha’s healthcare system and leaders must remember this.
“When the Chief Minister’s wife cannot get an MRI at Odisha’s best government hospital, it is not just a hospital’s failure — it is the system showing its cracks. The question is — will the government just fix the machine or fix the system?”
