Bhubaneswar: In a deeply distressing turn of events, a 70-year-old patient, Dilip Sahoo, was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan in the orthopaedic ward of AIIMS Bhubaneswar in the early hours of Tuesday.
Sahoo, a resident of Atalpur in Jajpur district, had been admitted on December 5 for osteoarthritis of the knee, with surgery scheduled for December 10. However, complications, including fever and haematuria, had necessitated additional consultations with specialists, extending his stay in the hospital.
Timeline of Events
- 12:45 am – 1:00 am: The duty doctor and nursing officer conducted their rounds, finding everything in order. Sahoo was reportedly on his bed.
- 1:15 am: A nursing officer and a relative of another patient discovered Sahoo hanging from the fan.
- 2:15 am: Following a clinical examination, Sahoo was declared dead.
- 2:30 am: The body was handed over to the police.
Circumstances Under Investigation
Bhubaneswar DCP Pinak Mishra confirmed an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. “Preliminary findings suggest the patient acted while others in the ward were asleep,” he stated.
A police officer noted that Sahoo’s ongoing health struggles may have contributed to his tragic decision. At the time of the incident, Sahoo’s daughter was staying in a Dharamsala on the hospital premises, leaving him without immediate family support in the ward.
Hospital’s Response
AIIMS Bhubaneswar released a statement detailing the incident and the subsequent actions taken by hospital staff. Security personnel had reportedly checked the ward at 1:00 am and found nothing amiss. A doctor emphasized that Sahoo was receiving appropriate care and had been monitored closely due to his comorbidities.
This unfortunate incident has raised questions about the mental health support provided to patients dealing with prolonged illnesses and hospital stays. Authorities and hospital management are expected to review procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
