Cuttack SCB Medical ICU fiasco: Whistleblower levels fresh negligence charges

Days after a video showing a patient falling from a bed inside the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Cuttack triggered statewide outrage, fresh allegations have surfaced regarding alleged negligence and staff misconduct inside the critical care unit.

Mahesh Khuntia of Jaimara under Binjharpur in Jajpur district, who recorded the viral footage, has reiterated concerns over the functioning of the ICU and the overall treatment system at the premier government hospital.

The earlier video, which showed a patient collapsing from a hospital bed inside the ICU, had sparked widespread concern and prompted administrative action.

According to Mahesh, his father was undergoing treatment for a heart ailment at the time of the incident. He claimed that a patient admitted to the adjacent bed fell to the floor, following which he recorded the video. The footage was later circulated on social media, bringing the hospital’s ICU management under scrutiny.

Allegations of Negligence

Mahesh levelled serious allegations against the hospital staff, claiming that senior officials were negligent and that junior employees were left to manage critical responsibilities.

“Where senior officials relax and let junior employees handle the work, such incidents are bound to happen. Security personnel, attendants and extremely junior employees act like authorities there. They try to dominate patients and their attendants,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the ICU corridor remains poorly lit at night and alleged an absence of staff between midnight and 5 am.

“Not a single staff member can be found between midnight and 5 am. Patients are left to their fate. They survive only by God’s grace,” he said.

Mahesh also stated that his father passed away at the hospital a few days after he recorded the video.

Also Read: Cuttack SCB Medical ICU patient fall: On-duty staff removed after video surfaces

Hospital Inquiry Underway

Hospital authorities have yet to issue a fresh response to the latest allegations. However, following the circulation of the video, a high-level committee was constituted to probe the incident. The investigation is currently underway.