Inquiry ordered after pharmacist accused of dispensing wrong medicines at govt hospital in Bolangir

Bolangir: Serious allegations of medical negligence have surfaced at the Patnagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital in Odisha’s Bolangir district, where a senior pharmacist is accused of dispensing incorrect medicines to patients. The incident has triggered protests from patients’ relatives and prompted an official inquiry.

The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Bolangir, has ordered a probe into the matter. As of now, no disciplinary action has been initiated against the accused pharmacist, and his response to the allegations is awaited.

Allegations Against Senior Pharmacist

The pharmacist has been identified as Naveen Nayak, who was recently promoted to the post of Senior Pharmacist. The alleged incident took place on Wednesday at the hospital’s medicine distribution centre.

According to complaints, Nayak allegedly administered a tetanus toxoid (TT) injection to an elderly woman and continued dispensing medicines while seated. It has also been alleged that he informed patients that certain medicines were out of stock.

Some locals further alleged that he was performing his duties under the influence of alcohol, calling it a serious threat to patient safety. They claimed that medicines dispensed did not match those prescribed.

CDMO Pushpanjali Mishra confirmed that a complaint had been received alleging that the pharmacist was on duty around 9 pm on Wednesday in an inebriated condition. She stated that an inquiry has been ordered and appropriate action will be taken if the allegations are substantiated.

Protest and Inquiry Ordered

Following the incident, locals reportedly confronted the pharmacist and questioned his conduct. The episode has raised concerns regarding patient safety and monitoring mechanisms at the hospital.

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Questions are being raised over whether the alleged misconduct was an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern. Authorities are now examining the facts, and the outcome of the inquiry is awaited.

Patients and residents have demanded strict action if the allegations are found to be true.