BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra criticised Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s scheduled visit to Puri Monday to inaugurate the Sri Jagannath Medical College & Hospital (SJMCH) over alleged discourtesy shown by the state to the central government.
In a Twitter post Sunday, Patra called it “astonishing” that the inauguration was done without a “courtesy call to the central govt to participate”.
The BJP leader expressed disbelief about how a college/hospital established under a “Centrally Sponsored Scheme” was being inaugurated without informing the Centre.
Astonishingly the Odisha Govt is inaugurating Sri Jagannath Medical College in Puri tomorrow without a courtesy call to the Central govt to participate in the same as it’s a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which the College/Hospital has been constructed! https://t.co/gIOlWi0DjU
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) April 10, 2022
He further pointed out that in a letter dated 6 January the health secretary had instructed all state governments to inform them regarding inauguration of any centrally-sponsored medical college.
“I don’t understand what’s the reason behind the clandestine inauguration by CM Odisha without keeping the Central govt in loop!” he wrote.
The Health Secretay (GOI) had on 6th Jan 2022 written a letter to inform the Central govt before inaugurating the Centrally sponsored Medical College.
I don’t understand what’s the reason behind the clandestine inauguration by CM Odisha without keeping the Central govt in loop! https://t.co/AYjOBNQuHW
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) April 10, 2022
The letter mentioned by Patra was issued by Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to chief secretaries of all states and UTs stating that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which 157 colleges were approved.
The letter further noted that any inauguration/foundation-laying ceremony scheduled by the state government/UTs should be informed to the ministry.
“It is also advised that the convenience of the Honourable Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare be sought for finalising a foundation lying/inauguration function in respect of these medical colleges, with joint participation of dignitaries of concerned state government/UT and the Government of India,” the letter added.
Here’s the letter by Health Secretary (GOI) to the CS Odisha as well as other states. https://t.co/lq0eIleF0g pic.twitter.com/gPTP7J7cqw
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) April 10, 2022
Soon after Patra’s tweet, a war of words erupted on social media. Twitter users who agreed with Patra pleaded with the central government to take charge of the building if they didn’t want to “lose the 2024 election on health matters”. Others attacked the Odisha CM for “stooping low”.
Sorry sir! @BJP4indla & all of u are creating mess. Politicians will take advantage of any chance you give. Central govt has power to established AAIMS.Amend law and take control of building medical college! BJP has 303 seats, right?You will lose 2024 election on health matters
(With inputs from agencies)