TV
Amid mounting public outrage and allegations of medical negligence, the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput has launched a departmental inquiry after six patients died within hours of each other last night. The hospital, however, maintains that the deaths were unlikely to have been caused by any wrong injections.
Dr Susanta Kumar Sahu, Superintendent of SLNMCH, stated on Wednesday that an internal probe was underway to examine the circumstances leading to the deaths.
While confirming that five of the six patients died between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday, he said preliminary assessments suggest that the fatalities were not linked to faulty medical procedures.
“All the patients were admitted in critical condition. Based on initial observations, there is no indication that incorrect injections were administered. However, a detailed investigation has been initiated to address the allegations,” he said.
"Two of the patients had stab wounds, one had terminal cancer, and others had similar severe conditions. They likely succumbed to their conditions, and medical negligence is unlikely," he added.
The hospital convened a meeting of departmental heads to review the events. Meanwhile, post-mortem examinations of the deceased are being conducted to confirm the exact causes of death.
Tragedy Unfolded Overnight
The deaths occurred in quick succession, three in the ICU and two in the general surgery wards, sparking chaos inside the hospital. A sixth patient passed away early Wednesday morning. All had reportedly been administered injections shortly before their condition deteriorated, according to family members.
Several relatives alleged that a second round of injections was administered at night, which coincided with the sudden deterioration of the patients’ health.
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Tension at the Hospital, Police Deployed
The situation turned tense after grieving family members held a demonstration outside the hospital, demanding accountability. Police from Koraput Town PS were deployed to maintain law and order. The bodies were sent for post-mortem after the intervention of law enforcement officials.
Though the hospital has responded with assurances of an inquiry, the incident has raised broader questions about the state of healthcare in Odisha. SLNMCH, one of southern Odisha’s key public healthcare facilities, has faced criticism in the past over issues like understaffing, irregular medical protocols, and insufficient infrastructure.
