In a rare and unfortunate incident, Dr. Babul Mohanty, a doctor stationed at a primary health center (PHC) in Mahakalpara, Kendrapara district, was bitten by a venomous snake while on duty during Cyclone Dana. Dr. Mohanty had been dispatched to the PHC to provide emergency medical assistance to locals affected by the cyclone, which had intensified in the Kendrapara district on October 25. The snakebite occurred during the early hours of October 25, when Dr. Mohanty was outdoors due to the lack of a restroom facility at the health center.

However, an alternate version of events was reported by Dr. Sachidanand Mishra, the Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) of Kendrapara. According to Dr. Mishra, Dr. Mohanty was bitten while asleep at the PHC during the night of October 24-25. Following the incident, he was immediately administered a dose of anti-snake venom (ASV) to counteract the effects of the bite and was later transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack, where he is currently receiving care in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Medicine Department.

The ADMO assured that Dr. Mohanty’s condition is steadily improving. “We have spoken to him, and he is recovering well. We expect a full recovery soon,” Dr. Mishra confirmed.

Cyclone Dana, which made landfall near Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on October 25, posed a significant challenge for healthcare staff, especially those deployed to remote or vulnerable areas. The storm heightened risks for the medical personnel, who worked tirelessly to assist affected residents despite facing adverse conditions. The storm brought about widespread damage, particularly in the areas around the coast, and created additional health risks due to flooding and exposure to wildlife such as venomous snakes.

While Dr. Mohanty’s dedication to his duty during Cyclone Dana is commendable, his experience sheds light on the challenges faced by healthcare workers stationed in remote areas during natural disasters. The snakebite incident serves as a reminder of the various hazards that medical personnel often encounter while serving the public in unpredictable environments.

The health department has since reviewed the conditions at the PHC, especially the lack of basic facilities, which indirectly contributed to the incident. Dr. Mishra noted that measures are being considered to ensure that healthcare centers in cyclone-prone areas are better equipped for emergencies.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)