Cuttack: In a major operation to curb unethical practices in public healthcare, the Manglabag Police arrested four touts from the premises of SCB Medical College and Hospital on charges of attempting to divert patients to private hospitals in exchange for commissions.
Touts Caught Luring Patients Near Casualty Wing
The arrests were made following a tip-off about middlemen operating near the non-trauma casualty department. According to police sources, these individuals were actively trying to convince incoming patients and their attendants to shift to private hospitals, luring them with promises of quicker and better treatment.
A special police team conducted a surprise raid on Friday evening and caught three touts red-handed during the act. A fourth individual was arrested the following morning, bringing the total to four.
Arrested Accused Identified
The arrested touts have been identified as:
- Debasish Mohanty
- Krishna Bahadur
- Sushant Barik
- Ram Nayak
Police suspect the four were part of an organised racket exploiting patients and misusing hospital premises for personal and third-party profit.
Investigation Underway into Larger Network
“This is a serious issue that undermines public trust in government hospitals,” said ACP Girija Shankar Chakraborty. He confirmed that a detailed investigation is in progress to determine the scale of the network and to identify any internal collusion within the hospital.
“We are committed to breaking such unethical networks. Legal action is being pursued under appropriate sections of law,” he added.
Hospital Authorities Alerted, Surveillance to Be Stepped Up
Authorities at SCB Medical College have been informed of the arrests. Police and hospital officials are expected to collaborate on enhancing surveillance on the campus to prevent further incidents.
This crackdown comes amid growing public outrage and renewed calls by health rights activists for stronger oversight mechanisms at government hospitals to protect vulnerable patients from exploitation.
