Infant dies after alleged medical negligence at Capital Hospital; protests erupt

Bhubaneswar: A woman doctor posted at Capital Hospital has been accused of prescribing wrong medicines to a 13-month-old toddler, which reportedly led to his death. The grieving family has demanded her suspension and arrest, holding her responsible for their child's death.

While the family members accused the doctor of medical negligence, alleging that she refused to admit their child despite his critical condition, the hospital authorities have denied the allegations, stating that there was no negligence on her part during treatment.

Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the kin of the deceased.

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As per the latest media report by TNIE, the incident took place on Sunday when the father and mother of the child suffering from fever brought him to the hospital. The child was also facing breathing difficulty. After checking him, the doctors conducted his chest X-ray and accordingly prescribed medicine, advising his parents to take him home.

Following this, the family took the baby boy back home, but again brought him to the hospital around 3 am on Monday as his health condition worsened. They requested the lady doctor to admit him. However, she reportedly denied citing that no bed was available in the paediatric ward, but she prescribed him some medicines.

The mother of the deceased infant said that their son was in his senses when he consumed the medicine, but died minutes later. "My child's care was neglected. I want the doctor to be suspended and arrested," she said.

The family members claimed that the on-duty doctor prescribed the wrong medication, which worsened the child's condition and led to his death shortly after.

Meanwhile, the hospital authorities refused to accept the accusations and firmly denied any wrongdoing by the female doctor. They said that there was no negligence on her part while treating him.

Following the baby's death, a crowd of agitated locals gathered at the hospital, accusing staffers of negligence. Despite police efforts to calm the situation, a massive crowd stormed into the hospital premises and raised slogans demanding action against the treating doctor, reports PTI.

Later, the protesters also blocked the road connecting the Capital Hospital to the airport. After the intervention of the police and hospital authorities, they withdrew their protest.

Reacting to the allegation, Director of Health Services, Amarendra Mohanty, said, "After reviewing all the prescriptions, we have found that no wrong medication was prescribed. However, the cause behind the patient's death can only be established after a post-mortem examination. We are conducting an impartial investigation into the matter."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family of Ayushman Sahu and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for his family on compassionate grounds.

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