Public Outcry Erupts Over Alleged Medical Negligence in Nayagarh Hospital
Tragic Death Sparks Protests
In Nayagarh, a tragic incident involving the death of a pregnant woman has ignited public anger, following allegations of medical negligence at the district headquarters hospital (DHH).
The victim, identified as Mamata Swain, 26, from Balugaon, was admitted to the maternity ward around 8 PM on Saturday due to labor pains.
Her husband, Sanjay Kumar Nayak, a youth leader from the BJP, claimed that the attending obstetrician, Dr. Rabindra Nath Sahu, demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 for a caesarean section.
Nayak stated that after he refused to pay, no medical assistance was provided, nor was his wife referred to another facility. He alleged that Dr. Sahu remained in an air-conditioned room and ignored his wife's needs despite multiple requests for help. Tragically, by the time Nayak returned to the hospital around 3:40 AM after arranging the money, his wife had already passed away, with the doctor declaring her dead at that moment.
This incident led to significant protests at the DHH on Sunday, with demonstrators calling for the doctor's arrest. Supporters from various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, and BJD, joined local residents in the demonstration.
As tensions rose, Nayagarh's Additional Superintendent of Police, Sanatan Kalo, along with other officials, attempted to calm the crowd. However, the situation remained tense, prompting the deployment of two police platoons and additional officers to manage the unrest.
In light of the allegations, Dr. Sahu has been reassigned from the district hospital to the Bhapur community health center. A three-member medical inquiry team, led by Dr. Abhisak Panda, has been formed to investigate the matter, and their findings have been submitted to the police. A separate departmental investigation is also in progress, with results expected to be forwarded to the state government.
Dr. Sushanta Kumar Das, the Chief District Medical Officer, confirmed that the deceased's viscera samples are being sent to Chennai for forensic analysis, and the body has been returned to the family.
Nayak expressed his grief, stating, 'This tragic incident and the refusal of timely medical treatment resulted in the loss of not only my wife but also our unborn child.'