Bhadrak staff nurse suicide bid: Departmental action begins, 3 hospital staff members transferred

Three hospital staff members, including two nurses and one other employee, have been transferred in connection with the alleged suicide attempt of a nurse at Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). The move follows departmental action initiated after serious accusations of harassment and blackmail emerged.

According to Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr Sudhansu Shekhar Bal, the two nurses were shifted to different departments while the third was transferred to Agarpada Community Health Centre. Further steps may be taken against the doctor named in the complaint, based on the findings of an inquiry report submitted by the Additional District Magistrate to the District Collector.

Amulya Das, transferred doctor denied the allegations and said, “No, I did not misbehave with her. Those allegations are completely false and baseless.”

Dr Sudhansu Shekhar Bal, Bhadrak CDMO said, “She has sustained injuries to her head, there is a big swelling, which is why we referred her to SCB Medical College & Hospital in Cuttack for advanced care. Her overall physical condition appears stable, though she has sustained minor injuries on her hands. Fortunately, there are no fractures.”

“In connection with the incident and the individuals reportedly involved, two nursing officers have been transferred. The matron, who was also named in the allegations, has been reassigned to a different role. Another person connected to the matter has been transferred to a different district,” he added further.

The Additional District Collector, on instructions from the Collector, has recorded the victim’s statement. The CDMO further informed that the nurse was shifted to Cuttack for better treatment after sustaining severe head injuries, though her overall physical condition appears stable.

Saroj Dutta, Additional Dist. Collector said, “We will form an inquiry team, and there are several committees for protection of women, the proceedings will be done through them. Our main concern right now is her treatment and ensuring that she recovers well. We need to record her statement after she recovers, we will conduct an impartial investigation.”

Complaint Against Doctor and Nurses

The nurse had earlier filed a complaint naming one doctor and three nurses, accusing them of blackmail. The alleged harassment reportedly pushed her to attempt suicide. She was rescued from the Bhadrak railway station by RPF personnel and rushed to hospital in critical condition.