Cardboard to treat fracture! Odisha hospital under scanner

A shocking video from the Bargarh District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Odisha has gone viral, showing a hospital attendant wrapping cardboard around the arm of a fracture patient instead of using a Plaster of Paris cast. The incident, captured in the absence of an orthopaedic doctor, has raised serious questions about patient care.

The district hospital, already criticised in the past for faulty lifts and power cuts, is now under fresh scrutiny over the quality of its medical services.

Two such cases, from August 3rd and 5th, have surfaced. In both, patients with broken arms received makeshift “cardboard treatment” before being referred 60km away, to Burla Medical College. Hospital staff admitted that there has been no orthopaedic doctor in the facility for the past two to three months, forcing them to improvise treatment.

“Instead of kits, they are using cardboard. We also have video proof. The cardboard originally used for packing fruits is used here in the hospital. They use the cardboard and bandage a fracture patient before referring them 60km to Burla,” alleged a local, Rohan Pradhan.

“They have built huge buildings in the name of a hospital. But there are no doctors or enough machines for the treatment of patients here. Shockingly, the attendants have turned into doctors here,” he further alleged.

When contacted, the CDMO has ordered an inquiry into the incident, promising action against those responsible. The Health Minister has also responded, stating the matter is under review.

“I’m not aware of what condition they used the cardboard. I will order an inquiry into the incident. However, this is not acceptable in this modern world, as this may lead to infection. Necessary action will be taken after the probe,” the CDMO promised.