Aajtak Television News (India)
ORISSA, INDIA, May 28, 2003: After a report on the poor physical and mental condition of the priests of the Puri Temple, the government has now decided to have a “medical camp” to take charge of their medical care. This action was taken after Aajtak Channel highlighted the illnesses being faced by these priests. The priests themselves are also very relieved for, until the news report, no one had been concerned about their debilitated health condition. Prafful Chand Gadhai, Health Minister in the Orissa Government says, “The camp will have general physicians, neurosurgeons and other surgeons and specialist doctors examine the priests. After the results of the camp are out, the requisite treatment would also be given to those who need it.”
Last week Aajtak telecast a news story telling how over two thousand priests of the Puri Temple have to walk up and down the stairs of the temple a number of times everyday. After doing much physical work daily, these priests consume bhang (marijuana), an intoxicating drug for relaxation. Due to this, around seventy percent of the priests are suffering from mental diseases. Dev Khunita, a priest, said that they are happy with the government’s decision. Starting from May 30, the camp will be held for three days, and over 1,500 priests will be examined during this time.