The Orissa High Court has directed the Odisha government to submit a comprehensive affidavit regarding the proposed installation of digital display boards at the six Niramaya Centres (Free Medicine counters) of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The initiative aims to streamline medicine distribution and reduce waiting time for patients.
Court Proceedings
A division bench comprising Justice K R Mohapatra and Justice V Narasingh reviewed the progress of the project, which is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. The state government explained that the digital display boards would provide real-time information about medicine availability at Niramaya Centres within the hospital campus.
During the hearing on May 7, Health and Family Welfare Department commissioner-cum-secretary Aswathy S. appeared virtually and informed the court that the department had submitted a proposal to the finance department seeking approval for outsourcing manpower to manage the digital display system. She stated that approval is pending for engaging two support associates for real-time updating of the display boards, in line with the finance department memorandum issued on July 24, 2025.
Project Components
As previously submitted by the health department, the project involves several components, including procurement of hardware and engagement of manpower. These require examination at multiple administrative levels and consultations with stakeholders. Additional secretary of the finance department K.C. Satapathy, also appearing virtually, assured the bench that the proposal would be examined within 10 days, and the decision would be communicated to the health department.
Additional government 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.
Background and Importance
The digital display board system has gained importance following the segregation of Niramaya medicine outlets at 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. The state government informed the court that the project involves procurement of hardware and deployment of manpower, requiring consultations at different administrative levels and coordination with stakeholders.
The court's directive underscores the need for efficient implementation of digital health initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, aiming to improve patient experience and operational efficiency at one of Odisha's premier medical institutions.
