'Unconscious' man declared dead, sent for post-mortem in Odisha

Bhadrak: In a serious case of medical negligence, an alive man was allegedly declared dead by a doctor and sent for post-mortem at Bhadrak district headquarters hospital in the district on Saturday.

The incident came to light today morning after the patient, Sujit Khatua of Khatuapatna village under Dhusuri Police limits, gained consciousness ahead of post-mortem being conducted on him.

According to sources, Khatua was admitted to the hospital for treatment yesterday. However, the attending doctor Karunakar Rout allegedly declared him dead and reportedly informed Khatua's family that his post-mortem would be conducted in the morning. However, Khatua gained consciousness today morning and was shifted to Medicine ward for treatment. His condition is reportedly stable, sources said.

Meanwhile, Satyajit Khatua , the patient's brother filed a complaint against the attending doctor Karunakar Rout at the Bhadrak Police Station in connection with the incident.

"The doctor was dozing while he was examining the patient and declared him (the patient) died. He also referred him for post-mortem. I want the doctor to be punished for his negligence," said Satyajit.

However, the accused doctor could not be contacted to comment on the allegation.