Tragic Loss: Odisha Health Minister Investigates Sudden Deaths of Six Patients

Investigation Launched After Patient Deaths

Koraput: On Thursday, Mukesh Mahaling, the Health and Family Welfare Minister of Odisha, visited a hospital in Koraput district following the tragic deaths of six patients in rapid succession, reportedly due to incorrect injections. He assured that any negligence would be addressed appropriately.

During his visit, accompanied by the district collector, Mahaling engaged with officials at the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) to understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths that occurred between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.

Mahaling emphasized the importance of patient safety, stating, "I demanded a thorough explanation from the hospital authorities regarding the events leading to these fatalities. Any negligence will lead to strict consequences," he told the media after his visit.

In a post on X, the minister mentioned that he also checked on the health status of other patients during his hospital tour.

The timeline of the deaths indicates that five patients passed away between 10 PM and 11 PM on Tuesday, with the sixth patient dying at 3:33 AM on Wednesday.

In response to the incident, hospital officials have initiated a departmental inquiry, while the Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), Santosh Mishra, has launched a separate investigation involving a team of senior doctors from two other medical institutions.

This expert team has commenced its inquiry and has already interviewed various individuals, including patients.

The minister noted that the high-level committee would provide its findings within the designated timeframe.

However, SLNMCH officials have denied any claims of negligence or improper injections being the cause of the deaths.

Congress leader and former MLA Nimai Sarkar criticized the minister for not visiting the ICU, where four of the deceased patients were located.

Tensions escalated as Congress workers clashed with police during the minister's arrival at SLNMCH.

Rama Chandra Kadam, leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) from Koraput, stated, "The government is accountable for the deaths of these six patients. This is not a case of natural or accidental death, but rather murder. Such incidents must not recur."

In addition to the minister, local MLAs Raghuram Macha and Rupu Bhatra also visited the hospital.