NHRC Orders Probe Into Closure of Odisha’s Rs 20-Crore Rehab Centre
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed an inquiry into the closure of the Rs 20-crore Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) at Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar.
The probe follows a petition filed by Advocate Akhand of the Orissa High Court, who alleged that the centre has remained locked and non-functional for over a year.
Established in March 2019, the ARC was equipped with advanced robotic rehabilitation machines, prosthetic services, and assistive technologies.
It also offered free artificial limbs and therapy to underprivileged patients.
However, despite its potential to serve poor, rural, and tribal communities, the facility has been lying unused, raising concerns about wastage of public funds and denial of essential healthcare services.
The NHRC observed that if the allegations are true, they amount to serious violations of human rights.
The Principal Secretary of the SSEPD Department has been asked to submit a detailed inquiry report within two weeks.
