Denying that debarring journalists from entering into its campus has curtailed the freedom of Press, the SCB Medical College and Hospital authorities on Wednesday told the Odisha High Court that the last year’s gag order on the media was issued as a remedial measure for smooth management of the hospital and to provide better healthcare facilities to patients.
In response to a High Court notice pertaining to a PIl in this matter, in-charge Superintendent of the hospital Pratap Kumar Rath in an affidavit admitted that on June 28, 2013 an order was issued by the then superintendent restricting the entry of journalists into the campus.
“Observing the unpleasant situation that occurred due to friction among the PG students of this hospital and media personnel that caused disruption in patient care, the remedial measure were taken,” said the affidavit filed by Rath.
He, however, has not mentioned anything as to what remedial measures the hospital has taken so far to control the unruly PG students, who had brutally assaulted mediapersons in the campus during that unpleasant incident.