Former Odisha MLA’s Death Triggers Medical Negligence Row

Berhampur: At a time when the Odisha government is focusing on improving healthcare infrastructure and delivery under the Mo Sarkar programme, the death of a former MLA has triggered a controversy over alleged medical negligence.

The family members of former Congress MLA Daitari Behera, who passed away at MKCG Hospital in Berhampur on Thursday, have accused the hospital authorities of negligence.

As per reports, the two-time legislator was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition on Wednesday where he breathed his last after he was allegedly denied Intensive Care Unit facility.

“We were denied ICU facility for my father at the hospital. If a two-time MLA is not getting proper medical facility, imagine what will happen to common man,” alleged Shishir Behera, son of the veteran leader.

Daitari was elected as Chhatrapur MLA as an Utkal Congress candidate in 1974 and from Congress in 1995.

A local resident, Rajendra Jena, said, “The Odisha goverment’s 5T and other schemes are all farce. ICU facility was available in the surgery ward, but it was not allotted. A well-known personality like him was neglected; imagine what will happen to others.”

However, the hospital authorities are yet to comment on the allegation.