Healthcare Negligence in Angul DHH – Soldier’s MRI Denied, Public Anger Grows.

Angul, (Debaranjan Samal): Despite the government’s repeated emphasis on strengthening public healthcare infrastructure, allegations of negligence continue to haunt the Angul District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). In a recent case, a serving soldier from Angul was denied an essential MRI scan, worsening his condition and sparking widespread outrage.

The victim, Manoj Kumar Sahu (37) of Shikyhakpada, Angul, is posted in Jammu. During a training session, he sustained an injury to his leg. On June 6, while on leave, he visited Angul DHH for treatment. Doctors conducted an X-ray but refused to carry out an MRI, prescribing only medicines instead.

Despite adhering to the prescribed treatment, Sahu’s condition showed no improvement. His repeated requests for an MRI were ignored. Even when a local social worker intervened on his behalf, hospital authorities failed to take necessary action.

Left with no choice, the soldier underwent an MRI privately, which revealed serious internal damage – blood clots in his leg. Doctors confirmed that the delay in diagnosis could have posed serious health risks.

Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that Angul DHH charges patients ₹1,000 for MRI scans, contradicting the government’s assurance of free healthcare facilities. Families of other patients have voiced similar complaints, accusing hospital staff of exploiting patients in distress.

The issue has drawn sharp criticism from the public, especially since it involves a soldier who serves the nation. “If this is the state of treatment for a jawan, what can common people expect?” remarked one angry resident.

Efforts to reach the hospital superintendent for an official response remained unsuccessful. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for accountability and improvement in healthcare delivery at Angul DHH, which caters not only to the district but also to patients from at least four neighboring districts.