Govt orders probe after 6 patients die in Koraput hospital
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Koraput: State govt on Wednesday ordered an inquiry after six patients died at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput on Tuesday night and early on Wednesday.
Shukra Majhi (45), Rukmani Penthia (47), Phulamati Majhi (50), Bati Khara (40) and Bhagaban Parija (36) died between 10 pm and 11 pm. Four deaths occurred in the intensive care unit (ICU), while Parija passed away in the general surgery ward. Jagannath Pujari (29), who was being treated for head injury, died at 3:33 am. All victims except Phulamati, who was from Kalahandi district, were residents of Koraput district.
The deaths sparked outrage, with relatives alleging medical negligence. "My cousin was recovering after surgery in the ICU but died shortly after receiving an injection. We suspect he was administered the wrong one," claimed a relative of Parija. Grieving families and locals staged protest on the hospital premises, demanding strict action against those responsible for the deaths.
SLNMCH superintendent Susanta Sahu denied allegations of negligence.
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"It's a tragic coincidence, but there was no lapse in treatment or use of expired drugs," he said.
He said all patients were critically ill — one had stage IV cervical cancer, two had sustained stabbing injuries, one had a liver ailment, and another was battling septicaemia.
The hospital has initiated an internal review examining medical records and administered drugs. Koraput collector Keerthi Vasan V said preliminary investigations found no evidence of medical negligence, though a full inquiry is pending.
A high-level probe team, comprising senior experts from SCB Medical College, Cuttack, and MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, has been formed to investigate the incident. The team is expected to submit its findings within 48 hours after visiting the Koraput hospital on Thursday.
Police forces were deployed at the hospital to maintain order as protests intensified. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem to determine the exact causes of death.
Congress member and former MLA Nimai Sarkar alleged, "Such incidents are common at Koraput medical college. Tribal people from remote areas are being neglected, and medical services have completely collapsed."
BJP's Koraput MLA Raghuram Machha assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. "Two professors from Cuttack and three from MKCG Medical College will investigate the deaths. Anyone found guilty will not be spared," he said, emphasising the state govt's commitment to quality healthcare in tribal regions.
The health department has promised stringent action against those found responsible based on the investigation report, expected by Thursday evening.
The district administration has provided financial assistance of Rs 10,000 from district Red Cross Fund to the bereaved families of Rukmani, Parija and Pujari. "Details of other three deceased patients have been sought so that their families could be provided financial assistance," said Subrat Sahu, district emergency officer, Koraput.
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