A wave of shock and anger has gripped Koraput’s Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital following the sudden deaths of five patients on Tuesday night, allegedly due to incorrect injections.
The deceased, identified as Shukra Majhi, Rukuni Pentia, and Phulmati Majhi from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and Bhagaban Parija and Bati Khara from the general surgery ward, passed away within a short span between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM. The patients, hailing from regions including Koraput, Borigumma, Kalahandi, Semiliguda, and Machara, were under treatment for critical conditions.
Family members and relatives have accused the hospital staff of administering the wrong injections, leading to the tragic deaths. However, doctors at the facility have refuted these claims, asserting that no medication errors were made. The conflicting narratives have fueled public outrage, with protests erupting at the hospital premises as grieving families demanded answers and accountability.
In response to the incident, the Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET) has swiftly constituted a five-member investigation team to probe the matter. The team, led by DMET Director Santosh Kumar Mishra, includes three experts from MKCG Medical College in Berhampur and two from SCB Medical College in Cuttack. Tasked with uncovering the truth, the committee will collect samples of the drugs administered, examine potential adverse reactions, and verify the quality of the medications. The team is instructed to submit its findings by Thursday, June 5, 2025.
“The investigation will be thorough and transparent. We will examine whether the deaths were caused by side effects of the drugs, natural causes, or any lapses in medical care,” said Director Mishra. The inquiry will also scrutinise the quality of the medications provided to the patients, addressing concerns about possible negligence or substandard supplies.
As the investigation progresses, the public awaits answers to critical questions: Was there a lapse in medical protocol? Were the medications substandard or incorrectly administered?
The findings of the DMET team are expected to shed light on these issues and determine the course of action to prevent such incidents in the future. For now, the families of the deceased seek justice, hoping the probe will bring closure to their devastating loss.
