Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday categorically stated that any kind of negligence in treatment of non-COVID-19 patients will not be tolerated in the State. Such stern message from Patnaik came following reports of several non-COVID-19 patients being deprived of healthcare services in various hospitals.

After a high-level review meeting, Patnaik directed health department officials to ensure that necessary medical interventions are made in case of non-COVID patients without delay. The statements of Patnaik assume significance at a time when there have been several instances of negligence in treatment and deaths of persons due to delay in hospital admission and non-cooperation by ambulance staff, particularly in COVID-19 hotspot, Ganjam district.

“Saving lives is Odisha government’s priority and CM Naveen Patnaik has directed officials to see that all the measures revolve around this aspect,” an official statement read.

Earlier on Monday, the death of a person in front of his minor son in Berhampur had sparked widespread resentment among people across the State. The patient died after the 108 ambulance driver allegedly refused to shift him to the hospital citing COVID-19 protocol.

Patnaik has also directed authorities to strengthen the ambulance network in the State. The CM also appreciated advance planning by district administrations which has helped keep COVID-19 situation under control in the State.

(Edited By Bikram Keshari Jena)

Also Read: Pleading Minor Boy Sees Father Die As Ambulance Denies Service Citing COVID-19 Protocol

Also Read: Odisha Patients Caught In Quagmire Of Medical Negligence & COVID-19

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