Pharmacist locks up patient suffering from chest pain inside hospital in Odisha's Bhadrak, disappears

An alarming incident has surfaced from a government health facility in Bhadrak district, exposing glaring negligence that put a patient’s life at risk. 

The incident reportedly occurred at the Ghanteswar Primary Health Centre (PHC) under Chandabali block in the district, where a patient suffering from chest pain was reportedly locked inside the health centre while the on-duty pharmacist fled the scene.

Patient Locked Inside, Pharmacist Vanishes

According to the complaint, a man named Gayadhar Swain from Baliapal village visited the Ghanteswar PHC after experiencing severe chest pain. On arrival, the only staff available was pharmacist Tusharkant Nayak. 

Instead of attending to the patient, Nayak allegedly locked the patient and his wife inside the facility from the outside and disappeared without notice.

The couple remained locked in for nearly two hours, unable to seek help or access medical care. With no signs of assistance, Gayadhar managed to contact his relatives via phone. It was only after they arrived and investigated that the shocking situation came to light.

Demands for Action

The incident has sparked outrage among locals and family members of the patient, who have demanded strict disciplinary action against the pharmacist. The complainants argue that such negligence and lack of empathy at a government-run health facility are unacceptable, especially when lives are at stake.

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"When I came to the health centre, I found to my utter dismay that the patient and the attendant were locked in the medical and there was nobody nearby," said Mahendra Swain, the relative of the patient.

Doctor Defends Action

When questioned about the incident, the health centre’s doctor defended the pharmacist, claiming that Nayak had locked the facility only briefly to procure essential medical supplies. However, the duration and circumstances of his absence have raised serious concerns.

"The pharmacist might have gone to procure essential medical supplies by locking the facilities. I don't know much about the incident," said Dr Gurucharan Sahu.

This disturbing case from Ghanteswar PHC once again brings to the fore the issue of accountability and professionalism within the rural healthcare system.