Congress opposes Balco Raipur clinic

The proposed cancer hospital of Vedanta-controlled Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (Balco) near Raipur was discussed in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly today as opposition members alleged the company could refuse to give free treatment to the poor people.

Following strong protests from opposition Congress members, the state government announced that it would incorporate the clause in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the company for the hospital ensuring free treatment to 15 per cent of patients to people living below the poverty line.

Congress legislator Mohammed Akbar alleged Vedanta was by-passing norms to set up the proposed cancer hospital at the outskirts of the state capital with an investment of Rs 300 crore.

“The company started the construction work without getting approval,” he claimed.

The state government had allotted 40 acres at Re 1 as annual land lease rental.

“The MoU signed has no reference of giving free treatment to 15 per cent BPL people as stated by the government,” Akbar claimed.

State Health Minister Amar Agrawal clarified that the clause of free treatment was in the agreement signed for the land allotment.

The Congress members continued their shouting. Agrawal then announced in the House that the state government would include the free treatment clause in the MoU signed in August 2008 for the hospital.