A woman AYUSH doctor posted at the Runagaon Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Odisha’s Sundargarh district was found dead under suspicious circumstances early Friday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Dr. Salila Panda, a long-serving medical professional who had been posted at the PHC for over a decade. According to initial reports, Dr. Panda did not wake up from her bed, prompting her husband to rush her to Badagaon hospital. Unfortunately, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
Preliminary suspicions point to a possible overdose of sleeping pills, although the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed. Her husband has filed a formal complaint with the Badagaon police, expressing concern over the nature of the incident.
Badagaon Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bibhuti Bhusan Bhoi stated, “Dr. Panda has been posted here for the last 10–15 years. An unnatural death case has been registered. Her husband and family members have lodged an FIR, and none of them have alleged foul play.”
The police have seized the body and initiated an investigation. Authorities are currently awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the precise cause of death. While initial findings do not indicate foul play, officials remain cautious until forensic results are available.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local medical community and raised questions about the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals working in remote areas.
