Bhubaneswar, Feb. 2 -- "Corruption is a disease and it is paid mostly by the poor," Pope Francis had once said while addressing the Vatican. These words have time and again proven right. As if corruption allegations in departments like education, revenue and transport were not enough, the health care system in Odisha too has fallen victim to the disease called corruption. And the poor and the middle class are the ones who are paying for it.

Chandbali Community Health Centre (CHC) in Bhadrak has allegedly come out as an example of a corrupt healthcare system in the State. As per reports, the entire hospital is running under the mercy of middlemen. No clerical work can be done in the hospital without paying the bribe. People even have to a...