Odisha: Minor boy dies at District hospital, family alleges medical negligence

Gajapati: The Paralakhemundi District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Odisha's Gajapati district witnessed major protests following the death of a minor boy in the hospital due to alleged medical negligence.

The boy from the Gurandi village under Goshani block in Gajapati district was first taken to the community health centre on Monday night due to a high fever and was eventually shifted to the DHH due to the unavailability of doctors. 

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However, no doctor was present at the DHH as well to treat the boy, alleged the family members, and the child was reportedly treated and given medicines by a staff nurse. However, the child eventually passed away during treatment, reports Odisha TV. 

Anil Bisoi, the child's father said, "I called the hospital staff repeatedly to look after the child while he was struggling for life, but no one attended to him. They said the doctor will come and treat him. By the time doctor reached the hospital, the child had already died." He alleged, "Only a nurse administered an injection to my son. After that, he died." 

The child's family members soon began protesting in the hospital with the dead body, demanding strict action against the doctors and nurses for causing medical negligence and giving the wrong medication to the child, reports the Times of India. The district administration then gave Rs 20,000 to the family members of the minor boy.  

Assuring a thorough investigation into the incident, the Paralakhemundi Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Dr Pardip Patra said, "A thorough investigation into the matter will be conducted and necessary action will be taken against whoever will be found guilty."Bibekanand Swain, IIC, Paralakhemundi said, "The body was handed over to the family members." 

The situation at the hospital eventually turned to normal. 

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