The Orissa High Court has appreciated the district administration of Balasore for providing facilities to the inmates living in Leprosy home and requiring urgent medical attention.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Dr. S. Muralidhar and Justice B. P. Routray passed this order on August 16, while hearing a PIL filed by Bipin Bihari Pradhan.
In the matter, a joint report has been filed by the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer, Balasore as well as the Collector, Balasore dated August 15, 2021, setting out the steps taken pursuant to the order passed by the Court on August 9, 2021.
The Court observed that apart from shifting to the hospital two inmates who were in dire need of medical treatment, repairs have been affected to the toilets, sewerage pipelines and residential areas. Inter alia, it was stated that six toilets will become functional by August 16 and four new toilets will be completed by August 31.
The Court noted that the bed strength of the Temporary Health Ward of Lewis Leprosy Colony has been enhanced from 20 to 25.
The joint report further stated that all old beds have been replaced with new ones and steps have also been taken regarding distribution of footwear, as ordered by the Court.
The Joint Director of Leprosy, Odisha and the World Health Organisation Consultant visited the Leprosy Colony on August 12 and held a training/awareness meeting with Leprosy Workers, Paramedical Workers, local administration and staff, added the report.
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“The Court records its satisfaction about the promptness with which corrective steps were taken by the CDM and PHO, Balasore and the Collector, Balasore. The Court expresses hope that in the same spirit and promptitude, all further steps should be taken as ordered by the Court and as undertaken in the joint report,” observed the Bench.
“It is a matter of satisfaction that the visit of three Amicus Curiae has triggered the positive changes. The AC states that they will visit the Leprosy Colony once again prior to the next date of hearing, which is September 2,” it added.