Patient’s Family Assaults Doctor, Nurse in Khurdha Hospital Over Ambulance Delay

Khurdha: A hospital in Odisha’s Khurda was the scene of a violent incident when the family of a patient assaulted a doctor and nurse over a delay in the arrival of an ambulance.

The patient, Mahendra Jena, had been admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment. As his condition worsened, the medical staff recommended transferring him to the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Dr. M Shankar Panda, who was on duty, arranged for an ambulance. However, the ambulance encountered delays in reaching the CHC.

Frustrated by the delay, the patient’s family engaged in a heated argument with the hospital staff. Despite the hospital staff’s attempts to calm the situation, the family members entered Dr. Panda’s chamber and assaulted him verbally and physically. A nurse and other hospital staff members who attempted to intervene were also attacked.

The enraged relatives of the patient also caused extensive damage to furniture, medical equipment, and documents in the chamber.

Following the incident, hospital authorities promptly filed a complaint at the Balipatna police station. The police have registered a case and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the individuals responsible for the assault and vandalism