Critically Ill Odisha Officer Airlifted To Chennai For COVID Treatment

Bhubaneswar: A state government officer, who was undergoing treatment for COVID-19 here, was airlifted to Chennai for ECMO treatment on Saturday.

According to sources, Aditya Kumar Patra, working as seeds certification officer in Odisha State Seeds and Organic Products Certification Agency, had tested positive for COVID on July 7. He was under treatment for the disease at home in consultation with doctors.

As his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Sparsh Hospital in the city on July 15. While undergoing treatment in the hospital, Patra’s condition further deteriorated and the doctors advised his family for extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) treatment, which has proved effective for acute COVID patients.

In order to facilitate airlifting of Patra, a team of doctors from MGM Hospital in Chennai arrived here on Saturday and took him in an air ambulance. His treatment has started in Chennai hospital, the sources said.

Since ECMO treatment is highly expensive, Patra’s family has appealed to his well-wishers and general public to extend financial assistance for his recovery. Those who want to contribute, can contact Santosh Kumar Patra on mobile phone number 7978350629.