Patnagarh shuts down for 12 hrs over doctor posting

Normal life came to a standstill in Patnagarh town of Bolangir district Monday as residents observed a 12-hour shutdown demanding the posting of doctors for emergency treatment at the old Sub-Divisional Hospital located within the town.

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The shutdown, observed from 6am to 6pm, led to the closure of all business establishments except emergency services. Traffic movement was also disrupted following a road blockade staged by local residents, mostly women, on the Patnagarh-Kantabanji main road in front of the old hospital.

On receiving information, local police and Sub-Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) Saroj Ranjan Swain reached the spot and attempted to persuade the protesters to withdraw the blockade. However, when the agitators refused to disperse, police detained them and shifted them to the police station in a van.