The MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, serving as a referral hospital for 10 southern Odisha districts, frequently finds itself at the center of controversy.
A pregnant woman's disappearance from the MKCG Medical College and Hospital's labour ward on November 11 has sparked outrage, adding to the institution's recent troubles surrounding student ragging.
Sasmita Behera, a 23-year-old resident of Badabadangi village in Ganjam, was referred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital by Sorada hospital doctors. Accompanied by her family and an ASHA worker, she arrived at the hospital via ambulance.
Upon arrival, the ambulance staff dropped Sasmita Behera and her companions at the hospital entrance, prompting a frantic appeal for assistance before she was finally admitted to the Gynaecology department.
Ganjam's Chief District Medical Officer, Dr. Bijay Kumar Panda, initiated an investigation into Sasmita's disappearance from the MKCG Medical College and Hospital's labor ward. Despite being admitted, Sasmita went missing, prompting Dr. Panda to order a probe. Prof. Sanghamitra Mohapatra, Head of the Gynaecology department, was tasked with determining the circumstances surrounding Sasmita's departure from the hospital.
Authorities are still searching for Sasmita, a pregnant woman who went missing from MKCG Medical College and Hospital's labor ward. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing, and officials are awaiting the probe report. Amidst the mystery, allegations have surfaced that Sasmita was taken to a private nursing home for delivery, further complicating the situation.
The hospital is grappling with twin crises: allegations of brokers diverting patients to private healthcare centers, and a severe staff shortage. To further complicate matters, the hospital's leadership has been in flux since former dean Prof. Santosh Kumar Mishra's promotion to DMET in late May, prompting superintendent Prof. Suchitra Dash to assume additional responsibilities as acting dean.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)