Keonjhar/Hatadihi: The Odisha Information Commission has taken steps against the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Keonjhar for not supplying Covid-19 information as mandated by the Right to Information Act.

This action follows appeal number 502/2021, with the commission instructing its assistant legal officer to issue a notice on August 22.

A hearing is set for September 23.

The notice requires both the public information officer and the CDMO, who also serves as the Public Health Officer (PHO), to appear in person with the necessary documentation.

Should the CDMO be unable to attend due to urgent matters, another knowledgeable officer with the authority to respond may be appointed.

This issue traces back to November 17, 2020, when an RTI request was submitted to obtain information about the funds allocated for Covid-19 management in Keonjhar district, including expenditures, the establishment of Covid hospitals, and their management.

After receiving no information, the applicant filed a first appeal on December 18, 2020, and subsequently a second appeal to the commission on February 8, 2021, due to unsatisfactory responses.