The Mayurbhanj Homoeopathic Medical College, the only of its kind in north Odisha, is now passing through the worst phase in its history.
With the Aayush Department of the Government of India asking the college not to admit any students in the current academic session 2016-17, citing different reasons like lack of adequate infrastructure, laboratory equipment and want of faculties, the future of the 36-year-old institution is in dark.
The latest development has come as a body blow to hundreds of students presently continuing study in the college, as they are left guessing about their uncertain future.
Notably, the homoeopathic college located at Manchabandha on the outskirts of Baripada town was established way back in 1980. As a matter of pride for the college, while some other homoeopathic colleges that came into existence along with this one were derecognized and closed later by the Government, this institution alone duly got Government recognition and continued with its onward march.
Remarkably, on December 11, 2013, just before the 2014 general elections, none other than Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had given an assurance at a public meeting that the Government would take over the college along with the 33-year-old Mayurbhanj Ayurvedic Medical College, which too at present is in a moribund state. But, unfortunately, the assurance never materialised; nor did the Government do anything worthwhile to save the college at any point of time.
Nevertheless, intellectuals, social activists and leaders cutting across party lines here have now come out strongly in defence of the neglected institution and have demanded that the Government take it over soon.