Odisha healthcare: Superstitions & ambulance failure continue

Keonjhar/Bhubaneswar: That the healthcare services in Odisha have been far less than what is desired was once again proved after three  different cases of ambulance failure and medical negligence were reported from Keonjhar and Bhubaneswar.

In Keonjhar, one Etwa Munda had to carry his seriously ailing wife, Samtara in a trolley rickshaw to a hospital in Balani under Joda block after failing to avail neither a vehicle nor an ambulance. According to sources, Munda’s financial condition is precarious.

In another incident, in the mining town, a 19-day old newborn in Kula Dhankuni village allegedly died after being branded with a hot iron rod. The kid who suffered from stomach pain was treated with hot iron by his family members few days back. When his condition worsened he was shifted to Harichandanpur hospital where he succumbed on Tuesday.

In Bhubaneswar, tension gripped KIDS hospital near Dumduma after death of a patient following alleged negligence. Locals said the patient identified as Akhtar Biwi of Jadupur was critical and hospital authorities advised to shift him but did not arrange for an ambulance which led to her death. Irate locals ransacked the hospital premises and staged a dharna blocking the nearby road.