With the death of two more patients in Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH), the death toll due to suspected heatstroke has risen to 12 in the hospital with a total of 16 deaths in Sundargarh district so far, reports said.
While 12 people had died a day back, two more persons breathed their last while undergoing treatment at RGH last night.
Another 23 patients are currently under treatment in RGH, informed Ashutosh Kulkarni, Sundargarh, Additional District Magistrate.
The unnatural death has become a matter of serious concern as another 10 patients have been referred to Hi-Tech hospital in Bhubaneswar for better treatment after their condition worsened.
Read More | 14 ‘Unnatural Deaths’ Reported in Odisha's Sundargarh; Heatstroke Suspected
“Through the night, there were two deaths. As of morning, the death tally has reached four. At least eight people were brought dead yesterday. Steps are being taken to conduct their autopsy in the presence of police. We will ascertain the reason of the deaths after post-mortem,” informed Ashutosh Kulkarni, ADM Sundargarh.
He further said, “Yesterday, five people were referred to Hi-Tech Medical in Bhubaneswar. Over the night, another five people are being referred. So, currently, at least 10 people are undergoing treatment in Hi-Tech.”
“Moreover, another 23 people are currently under treatment at Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). All of their condition is stable. We also have set up extra rooms to accommodate patients if the numbers increase. There is a high possibility that this happened due to heat stroke. But, it will be ascertained by the doctors’ team. A senior doctor has been directed to lead the treatment with the help of junior doctors. As the heatwave is likely to continue for another day, I request all the labour class people to stay indoors and avoid going out to work in the heat,” Kulkarni added.
“Not all the patients are from the labour class. Some of them were at home, yet they experienced drowsiness and vomiting. Yes, we will adhere to strict rules of not doing labour work in the restricted hours,” he said.