Odisha: Doctor Demands Bribe for Surgery from a Tribal Family at a Government Hospital
Odisha state is known for its efficient health program called the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY). The administrative stakeholders hold immense pride in the program. So much so that the state didn't opt to implement the central government health scheme of Ayushman Bharat.
However, the idea of free healthcare and an efficient health program cannot stop some corrupt miscreants. An unfortunate case has surfaced from Odisha as a doctor demanded a bribe from a tribal family for the surgery of their daughter.
The incident took place at the Keonjhar district headquarters hospital (DHH). Soudamini Munda, from Medinipur, had brought her four-year-old daughter to the hospital. The daughter has six fingers in one hand. The family, therefore, wished to operate on the sixth finger.
Munda visited the orthopedic surgeon at the DHH. The surgeon claimed that the operation is possible but cannot be done at a government hospital. He then demanded a big sum of ₹40,000 and said that the surgery will be done at a private hospital.
The family reported the matter as they are not in a financial condition to arrange this big sum of money. The matter reached the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO). The doctor has admitted to doing the corrupt act.