Newborn’s death at PHC in Odisha: 3 staffers transferred

Cuttack: As many as three staffers of the Gurudijhatia primary health centre (PHC) in Athagarh area of Odisha’s Cuttack district have been transferred to different health centres in connection with the death of a newborn at the PHC allegedly due to medical negligence.

Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Cuttack has transferred a pharmacist of the PHC to Niali Health Centre, a nurse to Berhampura Community Health Centre and an attendant to Khuntuni Health Centre.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Kishore Das had directed the CDMO to probe into the matter and submit a report within three days.

Notably, family members of one Kuni Moharana took her to the PHC on September 1 after she developed labour pain. However, they found the hospital closed and not a single staffer of the PHC was present.

After waiting for around two hours, the woman gave birth to a baby under a tree on the PHC premises. Later, her family members took Kuni and the newborn to the Berhampura Community Health Centre, where doctor declared the baby dead.