62-Year-Old Woman Collapses Moments After Injection at Rural Clinic; Health Department Launches Inquiry
A shocking case of alleged medical negligence has surfaced in Odisha’s Bolangir district, where a 62-year-old woman reportedly died after being administered a wrong injection by an alleged unqualified practitioner on Sunday. The incident took place in Karlapita village under Muribahal police station limits and has triggered outrage among local residents.
The deceased has been identified as Kaushalya Panika, a resident of Karlapita village. According to initial reports, she had been undergoing treatment for a skin infection at a clinic in Haldi village. On Sunday, she visited the clinic along with her granddaughter, where she was allegedly given an injection by the practitioner.
Soon after receiving the injection, the elderly woman reportedly collapsed inside the clinic. Despite attempts to save her, she died within a short span of time, raising serious concerns over the treatment administered.
Following the incident, local residents informed the Muribahal police, who rushed to the spot and launched a preliminary investigation into the matter.
Allegations Against Unqualified Practitioner
Reports suggest that the clinic and medical shop were allegedly being operated by a person without proper medical qualifications. Serious allegations have also emerged that the accused allegedly offered the victim’s family Rs 1 lakh in an attempt to suppress the matter after the woman’s death.
The body is expected to be sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Police have registered a case and stated that further action will be taken based on the investigation findings.
Health Department Orders Inquiry
Taking cognisance of the incident, Bolangir Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr. Pushpanjali Mishra on Tuesday ordered an official inquiry into the matter.
According to officials, the investigation will focus on identifying the injection administered to the patient and examining the circumstances that led to her death.
Public Outrage Over Rising Quackery in Rural Areas
The incident has sparked widespread anger among villagers and local residents, who have demanded strict action against the accused. Many termed the episode a glaring example of gross medical negligence and expressed concern over the increasing presence of unqualified medical practitioners in rural areas.
Residents said the growing dependence on illegal practitioners in remote regions continues to pose a serious threat to public health and patient safety.
