Berhampur: Senior BJD leader and city MLA Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik, who is also a physician, has expressed concern over the condition of the government-run MKCG Medical College and Hospital here.

In a letter to chief minister Naveen Patnaik and health minister Pratap Jena, he has requested them to look into the problems and take steps for early solutions. "The MKCG is going through a critical period. I have discussed the issue with local MP Siddhant Mahapatra several times to find a way out. I hope the chief minister and the health minister will take a bold step soon," Patnaik said.

The MLA has cited 16 problems in his letter and requested Naveen, Jena and Mahapatra to visit the hospital.

"The appointments of an experienced and competent full-time dean and principal and one IAS officer as the chief administrative officer can ensure smooth administration of the college," said the physician-turned-politician. "The state government should take immediate steps to fill up the vacant posts of nurses, technicians and pharmacists. More ambulances can also be inducted," he said.

"A number of patients are referred to corporate hospitals as the super-speciality departments here have become defunct due to lack of doctors, trained nurses and para-medical staff. As there is deficiency of doctors in the state, it is not possible to fill up the vacancies of doctors in the super-speciality departments. Hence, all those departments can function in the PPP mode," he said.

As the government is giving importance to the senior citizens, outdoor geriatric and indoor may be opened for them separately. Provisions of 20-bed central ICU, oxygen plant and supply of oxygen through pipes should be completed shortly, he said, adding that the trauma care unit building should also be remodelled.

Principal Arun Kumar Dandapat said: "We have requested the state government to fill up the vacant posts several times. Managing the affairs of the college at present condition is really an uphill task."

Manav Adhikar Surakshya Manch co-ordinator Abani Kumar Gaya said: "We lack political will for a better cause. The letter of the city MLA to the CM and the health minister is just a good beginning for a better goal," he said.