In another blot to the reputation of the premier health institution of the State, the minor girl, who was set ablaze in a village of Kendrapara district on Sunday, fell victim to fleecing by some employees of the SCB Medical College and Hospital here.
Even as exasperated authorities moved to suspend two Class IV employees, the incident that took place in the face of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announcing free treatment to the victim has exposed the state of affairs in the largest Government hospital in the State.
The victim girl, who was rushed to the hospital on Sunday evening, was initially admitted to the Casualty wing, where some staff allegedly sought money to attend her and apply dressing on her wounds. They allegedly demanded ` 200 for the service.
If that was not enough, the family members were also allegedly asked to purchase medicines from outside the campus. As the condition of the victim was serious and required immediate treatment, the demanded amount was paid to the employees and medicines were also brought from outside, the girl’s uncle Biman Sahu said.
Following a complaint by the family members on Monday, the hospital authorities initiated action against a dresser and a sweeper. “Acting on the complaints, an enquiry was conducted. With the allegations found to be true, two Class IV employees have been placed under suspension”, emergency officer Dr B Moharana said.
Meanwhile, the girl was shifted to the Plastic Surgery Department from the Surgery Wing on Monday. She has sustained over 65 per cent burns and her condition continues to be critical, doctors said.
* Some staff allegedly demanded ` 200 to attend her and apply dressing on her wounds
* The family members were also allegedly asked to purchase medicines from outside the campus
* With the allegations found to be true, two Class IV employees have been placed under suspension by the authorities