Viral Video Exposes Negligence
A disturbing video from the Lamataput Community Health Centre (CHC) in Mahakuma, Odisha, has gone viral, showing a hospital peon treating a critically injured accident victim in the absence of doctors. Using only a mobile phone flashlight, the peon allegedly examined, stitched, and dressed the patient’s wounds in the dark casualty ward.
Shortage of Doctors, Power Failure Blamed
According to Odisha Sambad, the incident occurred on Monday night when an accident victim was rushed to the CHC. No doctor or medical staff was present at the time, and heavy rains had disrupted the power supply, leaving the ward in complete darkness.
Government’s Healthcare Claims Questioned
The shocking visuals have raised questions about the state government’s claims of improving rural healthcare. Despite promises of robust medical infrastructure, ground realities in government hospitals continue to expose severe gaps in manpower and facilities.
Public Anger Over Patient Safety
Locals expressed outrage over the incident, slamming the government for negligence.
“It is shameful that despite boasting about rural healthcare, this is the plight of the common man,” said one resident. Another added, “From lack of doctors to the absence of basic power backup, patients continue to suffer in government hospitals.”
Not the First Such Incident
This incident follows similar reports across India where critical patients have been treated under torchlight due to poor infrastructure, including a recent case in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district hospital where a doctor was seen administering injections using a torch.
