Patients wait at Netaji Seva Sadan. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Jan. 10: Netaji Seva Sadan, a maternity centre run by a trust, at Odia Bazar is on the brink of closure as the electricity connection was snapped almost a year ago because dues were not paid.

The outstanding electricity bill now stands at more than Rs 1 lakh and that led to the snapping of power connection, sources said.

Netaji Seva Sadan, which was shifted from Janakinath Bhawan in 2003, now stands neglected and the poor, people who used to come here for delivery and post maternity care, have to rely on some other hospital.

“Netaji Seva Sadan is such an old institution, yet it lies neglected and for the past year, it hasn’t had an electricity connection. It’s such a problem for the patients,” said local resident Subhanwesh Rath.

Netaji Seva Sadan was established by former chief minister Hare Krushna Mahatab in 1952. In January 2003, the Seva Sadan was shifted to a new building outside Janakinath Bhawan (present-day Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birthplace Museum).

The staff working at the charitable institution have not received wages for the past five to six years. At present, there is one doctor, nurse, two sweepers, two watchmen, and two female attendants to look after the patients.

“As there is no electricity and water supply, babies are no longer delivered here. None of our staff have received wages for a long time,” said caretaker Chittaranjan Ghose.

Sources say that earlier there were facilities for X-ray, pathology tests and even a male outdoor. Lack of funds and a host of other problems are now hurdles to running this charitable organisation.

“Earlier, Netaji Seva Sadan used to be open 24 hours. It is closed after evening now, because there is no power or water supply,” a local resident said.

A notice has been put up which says that babies will no longer be delivered at the institution because there is no power or water.

Netaji Seva Sadan is governed by the Netaji Seva Sadan Trust. Former MLA Srikant Panda is its working president.

Panda could not be contacted as he was sick and unable to look after the Netaji Seva Sadan, said his family members.

Councillor of ward number 15 Kalpana Ghose said: “Though a meeting was convened by collector to solve the problems (of Netaji Seva Sadan), it was cancelled today.” Steps would be taken to solve the problems and all the problem areas would be addressed during a meeting which is likely to be held tomorrow, Ghose added.

Sources say that the Cuttack Municipal Corporation is likely to take over Netaji Seva Sadan. A decision to this effect is likely to be taken at the meeting to be convened by district administration tomorrow.