The Orissa High Court has directed the state 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 (SCBMCH) in Cuttack. The initiative aims to streamline the distribution of medicines and reduce waiting times for patients.
Court Hearing on May 7
Hearing the matter on May 7, a division bench comprising Justices K R Mohapatra and V Narasingh reviewed the progress of the project, which is part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. According to the state government, the installation of digital display boards will provide real-time information regarding the availability of medicines at the Niramaya Centres.
Government's Submission
During the hearing, Health and Family Welfare Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S appeared virtually and informed the court that a proposal had been moved to the finance department seeking approval for outsourcing manpower to manage the digital display system. She stated that approval is awaited for the engagement of two support associates responsible for real-time updating of the display boards, in line with the finance department memorandum issued on July 24, 2025.
As earlier submitted 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 the 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 had been communicated to the health department.
Court's Directive
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.
Importance of Digital Display Boards
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. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of medicine distribution and enhance patient experience at the hospital.
