Cuttack: The Odisha High Court has expressed shock after learning that nearly 17 per cent of patients who underwent open-heart surgery at the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) wing of SCB Medical College & Hospital (SCBMCH), the state’s largest government-run healthcare facility, died post-procedure between January 2023 and August 2025.
Taking suo motu cognisance of a report on the rising deaths, the Court directed the State Government to conduct an audit to ascertain the causes.
Mortality Data Raises Alarm
According to hospital records:
- 2023: 186 patients admitted; 165 underwent surgery; 15 deaths reported.
- 2024: 181 patients admitted; 135 surgeries performed; 24 deaths recorded.
- Jan–Aug 2025: 138 patients admitted; 85 surgeries conducted; 26 deaths reported.
In total, 65 out of 385 surgeries resulted in deaths over 30 months, reflecting a mortality rate of 16.88%.
Court’s Observations
The Division Bench of Justice S.K. Sahoo and Justice V. Narasingh stressed the need for a thorough probe, noting that mortality could be reduced through supervised cardiac rehabilitation, strict adherence to medication, and lifestyle guidance.
The Court was informed that the senior surgeon leading the procedures is set to retire next year. It then directed SCBMCH’s Medical Superintendent to provide complete data on surviving patients and asked the State Government to form another team of competent CTVS specialists to meet growing demand and reduce dependence on costly private hospitals.
Directions Issued
- Audit of all open-heart surgery deaths to be conducted.
- Efforts to reduce LAMA (Left Against Medical Advice) cases through patient counselling.
- Formation of an additional CTVS team at SCBMCH.
- Submission of Death Review Board minutes by September 26.
Health Secretary assured the Court that necessary steps would be taken to ensure continuity of care and prevent any lapse in services.
