Koraput: Tension erupted at the Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Koraput following the mysterious deaths of five patients last night. The incident, which occurred within a span of just 30 minutes, has sparked serious concerns and allegations of medical negligence.

This morning, another patient died at the hospital, taking the toll to six.

According to reports, critically ill patients from various parts of southern Odisha, including Borigumma, Kalahandi, Semiliguda, and Machhara, were undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and surgery ward. Around 11 p.m., three ICU patients—Shukra Majhi, Rukuni Pentia, and Phulmati Majhi—died within 30 minutes. Shortly after, two more patients—Bhagaban Parija and Bati Khara—passed away in the surgery ward.

The series of sudden deaths led to panic and outrage among the patients’ relatives. Koraput Town Police were immediately called to the scene to pacify the situation.

Family members of the deceased alleged that all three ICU patients were recovering well after surgery. However, they claimed that a hospital staff member administered an injection during the night shift, after which all three patients died in quick succession. They suspect a wrong injection or overdose as the possible cause of death.

While there is still uncertainty surrounding the deaths of the two patients in the surgery ward, the coincidence of all five deaths occurring during the same night has raised serious doubts. The police have recovered the bodies for postmortem examination and launched an investigation.

"A three-member team from MKCG Medical College & Hospital and a two-member team from SCB Medical College & Hospital will visit Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College & Hospital to investigate the incident. The doctors there have said that no unusual injections or medicines were administered. Three patients were in the ICU, and the others were in the general ward. The team will collect samples and make a decision based on the examination. The report will be submitted by tomorrow," said Dr Santosh Mishra, Director, DMET.

On the other hand, Susanta Kumar Sahu, Medical Superintendent of Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, denied the allegations of medical negligence.

Koraput District Collector Keerthi Vasan also told media persons that a high-level committee has been constituted to probe the allegations of medical negligence and find out the causes of deaths.

He also assured that the district administration would seek the assistance of the state government if needed.