Bhubaneswar, 17 December (H.S.) : Normal life was disrupted in Deogarh district on Wedneday following a 12-hour bandh called by the Zilla Mahila Ekata Mancha and Yuva Ekata Manch, demanding round-the-clock healthcare services at the old district hospital.

Protesters assembled at multiple locations across the town, pressing for 24-hour medical facilities at the hospital, which currently operates with a single doctor available for four hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.

The shutdown led to the closure of schools, colleges, markets, and business establishments. However, essential services, including ambulance operations and examination-related activities, were exempted. Several organisations extended support to the bandh.

Protesters also staged a sit-in outside the old hospital. Police reportedly attempted to disperse the gathering, during which some protesters allegedly attacked the vehicle of the Sub-Collector. Deogarh MLA Romanch Ranjan Biswal was detained while participating in the protest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda