Bhadrak: With floodwater and snakes entering the premises, a doctor at Madhapur Primary Health Center in Chandbali block was forced to spend the entire night inside his car to stay safe.
The incident took place at the Madhapur Panchayat hospital in the 14th Panchayat area of Chandbali block, where floodwater has submerged several low-lying parts. Along with the rising water, the threat of snakes also increased in the area. Residents said snakes were seen inside the medical center as well as on roads and in homes.
Amid darkness and waterlogging, Dr Dilip Kumar Das chose not to stay inside the PHC. With leeches and snakes moving around the treatment rooms, he spent the night in his car parked near the facility. Local people said the fear was not limited to the hospital.
Throughout the night, villagers remained alert to avoid snake bites while wading through floodwater. “Who can say when and at what moment one will become a victim of a snake bite,” a resident said.
Despite the risk, Dr Das continued to attend to patients affected by the floods. Locals appreciated his commitment, saying he risked his own safety to follow the government’s zero casualty policy and ensure that no patient in the flood-hit area was left without medical help.
Health officials said relief and medical teams are continuing to work in the affected panchayats of Chandbali block.
