Berhampur private hospital sealed following death of accident victim over ‘medical negligence’

The Berhampur district administration on Sunday sealed Moon Hospital near the new bus stand following allegations of medical negligence in the death of a patient. The deceased has been identified as Vijay Pradhan of the Tumba Sindarbad area. 

According to reports, Vijay met with an accident on December 18, sustaining a shoulder fracture. He was initially taken to the Patrapur Community Health Centre and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MCH), Berhampur, on December 19 after his condition failed to improve.

Doctors at MKCG MCH reportedly advised surgery after an X-ray examination. However, citing a shortage of doctors, the family was informed that the surgery could be delayed by nearly a week and that they could seek treatment at a private hospital. The family alleged that they were provided with the contact details of Moon Hospital by the attending doctor.

Surgery at Private Hospital and Death

Doctors at Moon Hospital reportedly scheduled Vijay’s surgery on December 20. Family members alleged that no tests were conducted to assess his vital parameters before the operation and that no medical reports were shared with them.

According to the family, Vijay’s condition deteriorated after he was administered anaesthesia in the operation theatre. As his condition worsened, Moon Hospital authorities shifted him back to the casualty department of MKCG MCH, from where he was taken to the ICU. Doctors later declared him dead.

Protest, Sealing of Hospital

Following the incident, family members staged a sit-in protest outside Moon Hospital throughout Sunday night, demanding compensation, seizure of CCTV footage to determine responsibility, and action against the doctor who referred Vijay to the private facility.

Acting on the district collector’s direction, the Berhampur tehsildar sealed the hospital. All patients admitted to Moon Hospital were subsequently shifted to MKCG MCH and City Hospital.

Assurance and Compensation

The protest was called off after the district collector assured the family that action would be initiated against the referring doctor and that CCTV footage would be examined. An ex-gratia assistance of Rs 30,000 was provided to the bereaved family. Vijay Pradhan’s last rites were performed on Sunday night.