AC breakdown at SCB Medical’s Trauma Casualty ward triggers patient distress; authorities mum

The Trauma Casualty Ward of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack is reeling under a dismal situation, as all air conditioning units in one section of the ward have completely broken down. The lack of ventilation and cooling is making conditions unbearable for critical patients and their attendants, raising serious concerns about patient care and hospital maintenance.

As per reports, 15 air conditioning units installed on the right side of the Trauma Casualty ward in the Odisha’s premier government-run healthcare facility have simultaneously stopped functioning. These include nine window AC units and six split ACs, all of which are currently defunct. 

With high humidity and scorching temperatures prevailing in Cuttack, the ward has turned into a virtual furnace, making it extremely difficult for patients, especially those in critical condition, to breathe and rest comfortably.

Eyewitnesses and family members of patients have expressed deep dissatisfaction over the hospital’s lack of preparedness and response.
 
“We are already dealing with the pain of our loved one’s condition. The heat and suffocation inside the ward are making it worse. Some patients are sweating profusely and even showing signs of restlessness,” said a relative of a patient admitted in the affected section.

This collective breakdown of all AC units has sparked outrage among attendants, who have alleged negligence on the part of the hospital authorities. Several of them claim that complaints were raised earlier regarding poor maintenance, but no action was taken. The simultaneous failure of multiple AC systems has also led to speculation of poor servicing, overuse without routine checkups, or internal electrical faults.

What’s more concerning is the complete silence from the hospital administration. Despite the gravity of the situation, no official from SCB Medical has issued a statement or assurance regarding immediate repairs or interim arrangements such as fans or shifting of patients to better-ventilated wards.

The incident has once again brought into question the state of infrastructure and crisis response systems in one of Odisha’s oldest and most reputed medical institutions. While the state government has announced plans for SCB’s transformation into an AIIMS-plus model hospital, ground-level facilities like ACs and sanitation remain in dire condition.

As the situation worsens and patient complaints grow louder, all eyes are now on the hospital administration and state health department for swift intervention. Whether this will prompt immediate action or end up as just another ignored episode remains to be seen.