HIV Patient’s Body Left To Rot On Hospital Bed In Odisha

Bargarh: Despite awareness, social stigma and ignorance of HIV and AIDS still persist in society and a glaring example of it has come to light at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla where the body of a 60-year-old HIV patient remained abandoned on the bed for 12 hours.

According to sources, the destitute patient who had tumour in his right eye was brought to the hospital in critical condition on October 23. Reportedly, the man who brought him to the hospital left soon after admitting him. When the doctors tested the patient's blood, they found him to be HIV positive.

The patient passed away while undergoing treatment today morning. After the patient’s death, as no one turned up to claim the body, it remained lying on the hospital bed for more than 12 hours.

Subsequently, the hospital authorities informed the police following which the body was shifted to the mortuary. Later, an NGO performed cremation after family members refused to accept body, which was lying in the morgue unclaimed since yesterday.