A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has stirred public outrage in Nuapada, where a woman reportedly died after being administered a wrong injection.
The deceased, Lachhanti Majhi (40) of Pandrapathar village under Komna police limits, was undergoing treatment for mild fever at the district hospital when the incident occurred.
According to her family, Lachhanti was admitted on August 25 and later complained of severe chest and abdominal pain on August 28 night. In the absence of the attending doctor, a hospital staff member allegedly gave her an injection not prescribed by the doctor. Within ten minutes, her abdomen reportedly swelled, and she passed away. The family accused Dr Ajay Panda of negligence and refusal to refer the patient to Bhima Bhoi Medical College, Balangir, despite repeated requests.
Following the death, the bereaved family, joined by Congress workers, staged a sit-in protest outside the CDMO office, demanding justice, a high-level probe, and financial assistance. They also submitted memorandums to the Sub-Collector Surmi Suren and Nuapada Tehsildar, seeking strict legal action against the doctor and Rs 1 lakh compensation. The administration offered Rs 10,000 as immediate relief, which the family refused, insisting on their full demand.
Police intervened to pacify the protesters, after which the body was sent for post-mortem examination. A written complaint was filed at Nuapada police station, and a murder case was registered against Dr Panda. Local leaders, including Harisingh Majhi, Ghasi Ram Majhi, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi, joined the protest, calling for accountability and justice.
Authorities have assured a neutral investigation to determine whether the death resulted from a wrong injection or medical error.
