The Sambhavna Trust Clinic, a lifeline for Bhopal gas tragedy survivors, has shut its doors. The trust has been struggling to manage its funds since 2019 when its FCRA registration was cancelled. The trust, which provided free medical care to over 37,000 patients, now faces protests from victims and staff demanding reinstatement of its funding.
"We get treatment easily here, with caring doctors and helpful staff," says 71-year-old Sitara B, who relied on the clinic's Ayurvedic medicines for 28 years, finding them more effective than conventional treatments.
The clinic's closure particularly impacts low-income patients. According to Dr. Satinath Sarangi, the trust's FCRA was revoked over an allegedly missing 2017-18 report, though they claim technical issues prevented uploading and their appeals went unanswered.
The trust's 52 staff members now work at 70% salary, while medicine supplies dwindle. Protesters emphasise the clinic's crucial role amid rising healthcare costs and overcrowded government hospitals, urging immediate government intervention.
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