Cuttack, November 17: After repeated complaints over improper treatment being provided to destitute patients poured in, the SCB Medical College and Hospital administration provided 55 new beds for the destitute patients in five wards of the hospital.

The decision of the authorities came after attention of the Government was drawn through   news of a destitute patient lying unattended on the hospital premises.

The wards were inaugurated by retired Justice A S Naidu here today. “I will congratulate the hospital administration for coming up with the idea of destitute beds. This will help the destitute patients who will also get the assistance of doctors and nurses,” Justice Naidu said.

Among the total 55 beds, eight have been placed in Surgery ward while the Women and Maternity ward was allocated five beds. Orthopaedics ward got 30 such beds while Medicine and Paediatric wards have now 10 and 2 beds respectively for destitute patients, sources informed.

Bhubanananda Maharana, SCB Emergency Officer said, “We have currently made arrangement for 55 beds in five wards. However, the facility will be expanded to other wards also. The number of beds will be increased if there is a requirement for more.”