Patients at the SCB helpdesk on Thursday. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, June 14: A special helpdesk was inaugurated at the SCB Medical College and Hospital today to ensure that BPL cardholders and other poor people did not face any problem in getting necessary assistance there even during holidays.

Doctors and officials will from now on be present at the helpdesk round-the-clock to ensure that BPL cardholders can avail certain medical services free of cost.

The opening of the helpdesk, located at the office of the SCB superintendent, is a part of the ongoing measures to improve the grievance redressal system at the hospital.

“A special helpdesk will function round-the-clock from today at the hospital during holidays to ensure that the poor and BPL cardholder patients get necessary assistance on time,” said SCB emergency officer B.N. Moharana.

Moharana said the provision had been made following a high court order as patients used to face problems because the SCB administrative wing used to remain closed on government holidays.

Poor people and BPL cardholder patients are eligible for availing certain medical facilities free of cost by producing necessary documents. Sources said around 200 BPL cardholder patients avail the benefit of various facilities every day.

“This is a welcome move as we used to face a lot of difficulties to get approvals that are essential to avail of certain medicines, investigations and other facilities free of cost,” said Ramesh Barik, an attendant.