Odisha HC seeks affidavit on digital display boards at SCBMCH free medicine counters

Cuttack: Orissa high court has directed the state govt to file a comprehensive affidavit on the proposed installation of digital display boards at the six Niramaya Centres (free medicine counters) of SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack, aimed at streamlining distribution and reducing waiting time for patients.Hearing the matter on May 7, a division bench, comprising Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh, reviewed the progress of the project, which forms part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.According to the state govt, the installation of the digital display boards involves giving real-time information regarding the availability of medicines in the Niramaya Centres.During the hearing, health and family welfare department commissioner-cum-secretary Aswathy S, while appearing virtually, informed the court that they had moved a proposal to the finance department seeking approval for outsourcing manpower to manage the digital display system.She said approval is awaited for engagement of two support associates for the real-time updating of the display boards in line with the finance department memorandum issued on July 24, 2025.As submitted earlier by the health department, the project involves several components, including procurement of hardware and engagement of manpower, requiring examination at multiple administrative levels and consultations with stakeholders.Additional secretary of finance department, K C Satapathy, also appearing through virtual mode, assured the bench that the proposal would be examined within 10 days, and that the decision was communicated to the health department.Additional govt advocate Debasis Nayak submitted that a detailed affidavit on the issue would be filed before the court shortly.The bench directed the state to place the affidavit on record within 10 days, and fixed July 9, 2026, for the next hearing.The digital display board system has gained importance following the segregation of Niramaya medicine outlets at the SCBMCH. The move was intended to ease congestion and enable patients to collect medicines from outlets located near the respective outpatient departments instead of moving across multiple centres.