Bhubaneswar, 5 June (H.S.): In response to rising public concern over the recent deaths of six patients at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Koraput, Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling has directed a high-level investigation and set a three-day deadline for submission of the findings.
A team of medical experts, including assistant professors from MKCG Medical College in Berhampur and SCB Medical College in Cuttack, has been deployed to carry out a detailed case-wise analysis of each death.
“The investigation team has been instructed to conduct an in-depth review of all six cases and submit a comprehensive report within three days,” Minister Mahaling said during his visit to the hospital on Thursday. “Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the report.”
As per preliminary information, the deceased included a terminal-stage cancer patient, two accident victims, two stabbing victims, and one individual suffering from interstitial lung disease. Mahaling stated that final confirmation on the causes of death would be based on post-mortem examinations and expert evaluations.
The minister also directed the Koraput district administration to extend all necessary assistance to the bereaved families through the Red Cross. He assured that accountability would be determined after the final report is thoroughly reviewed.
“This is a deeply serious and unfortunate incident. The government is treating the matter with utmost urgency and sensitivity,” he emphasized.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda