Blood bank non-functional for 9 days at Kantabanji Hospital in Bolangir, patients face hardship

The blood bank at Kantabanji Hospital in Odisha’s Bolangir district has allegedly remained non-functional for the past nine days, causing serious inconvenience to patients and their families. The situation has led to allegations of mismanagement at the district-level healthcare facility, with relatives complaining that critical medical services are being affected.

For over a week, patients have reportedly not been able to access blood from the hospital’s blood storage unit. As a result, several patients have been forced to seek treatment and blood transfusion services from other hospitals in the region, adding to their financial and emotional burden.

Patients Referred To Other Hospitals

According to local residents, patients admitted to Kantabanji Hospital, as well as those arriving for treatment, are being referred to hospitals in Titlagarh, Patnagarh, and Bolangir. It has been alleged that even patients already admitted to the hospital are being sent elsewhere whenever a blood transfusion becomes necessary.

In emergency cases, blood is reportedly being sourced from Titlagarh and Patnagarh and transported to Kantabanji, underscoring the strain caused by the prolonged non-functioning of the blood bank.

Locals Warn Of Protest

The continuing disruption has sparked anger among local residents, who have warned of protests if the issue is not resolved at the earliest. Sheikh Amjad, a resident of Kantabanji, said poor and needy patients are the worst affected.

“The blood bank remaining non-functional is a matter of deep concern. People from many areas depend on this hospital. Patients in need of blood are being referred to Patnagarh and Titlagarh. If the administration fails to act soon, locals will be forced to take strong steps,” he said.

Hospital Authorities Respond

Hospital in-charge Rakesh Pandit acknowledged the problem and attributed the delay to pending procedural formalities. “All required documents are being uploaded, and the online process is underway. Once the procedures are completed, the blood bank will become operational,” he said.

He added that until services resume, critically ill patients are being referred to Patnagarh and Titlagarh for treatment.

Attempts to seek a response from the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) in this regard were unsuccessful.