Jajpur, Jun 19: In a significant disciplinary move, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has suspended Dr. Hemanta Kumar Maharana, a government doctor posted at the Dharmasala Community Health Centre in Jajpur district.

The action comes after it was found that he was prescribing expensive private medicines to patients instead of the free government-supplied drugs, violating departmental norms.

The incident came to light during a surprise visit by the Health Secretary to the Dharmasala facility, amid a surge in diarrhoea cases in the region. Patients reportedly were being advised to purchase medicines from outside pharmacies, despite the availability of free drugs under the state’s healthcare scheme.

Dr. Maharana had been deputed to Dharmasala from Korei Community Health Centre just three months ago. During his tenure, he allegedly continued the practice of prescribing external medicines, burdening patients financially.

Following the discovery, the department issued a suspension order and directed that he be stationed at Jajpur Sadar sub-division headquarters. He is not permitted to leave the station without prior approval from higher authorities.

The suspension underscores the state government’s commitment to enforcing accountability in public healthcare and ensuring that patients receive entitled services without undue financial strain.

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