Heavy rain caused severe waterlogging at Jodamba Health Centre in Malkangiri’s Chitrakonda block, highlighting poor rural healthcare infrastructure. Patients and staff were stranded, with essential services disrupted.In yet another instance of crumbling rural healthcare due to poor infrastructure, heavy rain on Monday led to severe waterlogging inside the Jodamba Health Centre under Chitrakonda block of Malkangiri district. The incident has once again exposed the poor state of preparedness and infrastructure in health facilities in remote tribal regions.According to sources, rainwater gushed into the health centre premises following intense rainfall in the area. Within minutes, the entire facility was submerged in knee-deep water, leaving both patients and medical staff stranded.Visuals from the spot showed patients wading through water inside the medical building, with essential equipment and treatment areas affected. Several patients reportedly faced difficulty in exiting the facility due to the sudden flooding. The patients are now being referred to Chitrakonda.
Locals blamed the lack of a proper drainage system and poor maintenance for the situation. “This is not the first time rainwater has entered the health centre. Despite repeated complaints, no preventive measures have been taken,” alleged a resident.Notably, the Swabhiman Area in the district witnessed a heavy downpour yesterday, resulting in waterlogging. Not only the hospital, the road connectivity to three villages in the region has been cut off following the downpour.Till the last report came in, the downpour was continuing to lash the region.