A woman who was allegedly subjected to misconduct inside the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack died while undergoing treatment on late Sunday night. The woman had consumed pesticides and was admitted in a critical condition. 

According to reports, she passed away after receiving treatment for nearly 20 days. A complaint regarding the alleged misconduct was earlier lodged at the Mangalabag Police Station.

ICU Attendant Arrested After Complaint

According to reports, the woman hailed from the Kamakhyanagar area in Dhenkanal district. After consuming pesticides, she was brought to SCBMCH for treatment and admitted to the ICU. 

On November 17, at around 9 pm, Manas Pati, associated with a private manpower consultancy firm, who was also appointed at SCBMCH, allegedly misbehaved with the woman inside the ICU.

The incident came to light when the matter was reported at Mangalabag Police Station. Based on CCTV footage and witness statements, Mangalabag police arrested Manas from Cuttack’s Machhua Bazaar locality. He originally belongs to Jajpur district.

The woman’s body was sent for post-mortem on Monday at the time of reporting. No comments could be obtained from the victim’s family.

Concerns Over Third-Party Staffing

Allegations have surfaced that many workers deployed at SCBMCH through third-party agencies do not possess proper character verification or adequate training. It was claimed that such employees are tasked with handling procedures, including oxygen administration and other support for patients, as sources said.

Also Read: Staff ‘misbehaves’ with woman patient in Cuttack SCB hospital ICU, arrested

Reports further stated that another employee appointed from the same manpower company was recently accused of kidnapping and physically assaulting another staff member from the hospital.