A disturbing incident at Boudh District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Odisha has sparked public outrage after a doctor allegedly tore up a prescription and refused treatment to a critically ill 60-year-old patient late at night. Santosh Pattanayak, who has a history of high blood pressure, was discharged from the hospital after a brief stay, but his condition worsened when he returned home, prompting his family to seek medical help again at around 10 PM.

The family claims that the doctor, upset by the late hour, refused to check Santosh's blood pressure, citing it as "too late" for treatment. The situation reportedly escalated when the doctor not only tore up the prescription but also used abusive language and allegedly threatened to physically harm the patient. The patient's daughter has accused the doctor of unprofessional behavior, demanding action in light of the incident.

"We had no choice but to bring my father back to the hospital when his condition worsened, but the doctor refused to provide care, saying it was too late. He tore up the prescription and even threatened to hurt my father," the daughter said, visibly distressed.

In defense, the doctor explained that Santosh had visited the hospital a few days earlier with a high blood pressure reading of 170 and had been prescribed medication, which he claims the patient failed to follow. According to the doctor, the patient returned on the night of the incident asking to be admitted and administered saline, which led to a confrontation. The doctor admitted to losing his temper but insisted his actions were a result of the patient’s previous non-cooperation.

The incident has sparked anger within the local community, and protests have erupted outside the hospital, with family members calling for a thorough investigation into the doctor's conduct. The protestors are demanding accountability for the alleged mistreatment of the elderly patient.

This incident raises questions about the professionalism of medical staff and the accessibility of healthcare during late hours, especially for vulnerable patients in critical conditions.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sruthi Suresh/MSM)