Bhubaneswar: A doctor on duty during Cyclone Dana was reportedly bitten by a venomous snake while working at a primary health center (PHC) in Kendrapara district.
The doctor, identified as Dr Babul Mohanty, is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Medicine Department at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack.
Dr Mohanty had been stationed at a PHC in Mahakalpara area of Kendrapara district to provide emergency healthcare to locals during the cyclone. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 25 (Friday) when Dr Mohanty, due to the absence of a restroom at the PHC, was relieving himself outdoors and was bitten by the snake.
However, Dr Sachidanand Mishra, the Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) of Kendrapara has provided a different account.
According to Dr Mishra, Dr Mohanty was bitten by the snake while he was asleep at the PHC during the night of October 24-25.
“The doctor was immediately given a dose of anti-snake venom (ASV) and later transferred to SCBMCH in Cuttack. He is now recovering in the ICU, and his condition is improving. We have spoken to him and expect him to recover fully very soon,” Mishra said.
Cyclone Dana made landfall near Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on October 25 (Friday), intensifying the challenges faced by the healthcare staff deployed in affected areas.
