Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Thursday directed a team of medical experts to submit a detailed investigation report within three days into the recent deaths of six patients at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput.
The move comes in response to growing concerns over the unusual number of fatalities at the government-run hospital. A team comprising assistant professors from MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack has been deployed to carry out the probe.
“The team has been asked to conduct an individual case-wise analysis and submit a detailed report within three days. Based on their findings, further action will be taken,” said Minister Mahaling during his visit to the hospital.
According to preliminary assessments shared by the minister, the deceased patients included a terminal-stage cancer case, two accident victims, two stabbing cases, and one patient with interstitial lung disease. Mahaling emphasized that the causes of death would be confirmed through post-mortem reports and expert analysis.
He also instructed the Koraput district administration to offer necessary support to the families through the Red Cross and ensured that accountability would be fixed once the final report is reviewed.
“This is a serious and tragic matter. We are treating it with the utmost urgency,” Mahaling added.
