CHC Staff Administer IV Fluid To Old Patient In Auto-Rickshaw In Odisha’s Cuttack

Cuttack: In another example of poor institutional healthcare facilities in Odisha, the doctors carried out treatment of an old man inside an auto-rickshaw for lack of beds in a CHC in Cuttack district.

As per a video that has gone viral in social media, the incident took place on the premises of community health centre (CHC) at Niali in the district. It shows medical staff administering injection and intra-venous (IV) fluid to the elderly patient inside the vehicle with flashlight of a cell phone at night.

The patient, identified as Kabir Khan of Pubakhanda, was brought by his relatives in the auto-rickshaw to the CHC as his condition turned serious. When the relatives went inside the hospital to admit him, they were told that he could not be admitted as no bed was available at the time, as per the reports.

Considering the serious health condition of the patient, the doctors recommended to administer medicines through IV fluid. With no bed in the CHC, the medical staff administered the medicine inside the autorickshaw.

Admitting that treatment of patient inside the vehicle was wrong, Superintendent of Niali CHC said the doctors should have referred the patient to nearby hospital where the beds are available.

It may be noted that the CHC is undergoing renovation to a bigger facility with 100 beds. It is targeted to be completed in 2 years. As most parts of the old building have been demolished for the purpose, the hospital has only two beds for treatment of patients in emergency condition, the sources said.

Several instances of patients being carried on slings and cots in different parts of the state for lack of motorable roads are reported almost on daily basis.