'Medical Negligence' Takes Life Of Minor Girl In Odisha

Jajpur: A minor girl died allegedly due to medical negligence while undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital in Jajpur today, triggering protests by her family members and villagers.

According to sources, Pujarani Baral, the minor girl from nearby Haripur village was brought to the hospital this morning after she suffered an epileptic attack.

However, her family members alleged that the doctor administered a high-power injection which led to her death. They even alleged that the hospital authorities asked them to take the body back home without even conducting a post-mortem.

Nilamani Baral, father of the girl said, “After administering one injection, the doctor treating her again sent me to get another injection from the medicine store. The second injection deteriorated the condition of my daughter. When the doctor came for a second visit, he said that my daughter is no more.”

Palpable tension prevailed at the hospital premises after the family members along with several villagers placed the body outside the DHH and staged a demonstration demanding an inquiry into the matter.

The hospital authorities however refuted the allegations and ruled out administration of wrong injection to the minor girl. “The girl was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state. She was only administered the prescribed medicine by the concerned doctor,” said SDMO of Jajpur DHH, Subasish Maharana.

Meanwhile, police have launched a probe based on a complaint filed by the family of the deceased girl.Asish Kumar Sahu, IIC of Jajpur Police Station said, “The family members have alleged negligence on part of the doctor. Further investigation will be based on the post mortem reports.”