Health Authorities Launch Probe Into SCB Medical College ICU Negligence After Viral Video
Health authorities in Cuttack have ordered a comprehensive investigation after a disturbing video showing alleged severe mismanagement inside the medicine Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SCB Medical College and Hospital went viral on social media platforms. The video, which surfaced widely on Tuesday, has triggered public outrage and raised urgent questions about patient safety protocols and staff accountability within the hospital's critical care facility.
Immediate Administrative Actions Taken
In response to the escalating situation, SCB Medical College authorities have implemented swift administrative measures pending the outcome of the formal inquiry. Subhendu Acharya has been withdrawn from his position as the in-charge professor of the medicine ICU. Additionally, three nursing officers—Bhagyabati Swain, Arijit Mallick, and Sanghamitra Panda—have been transferred to other critical care areas within the hospital. Jayant Panda has been appointed as the new in-charge of the medicine ICU to oversee operations and ensure stricter supervision.
Incident Details and Public Outrage
The disciplinary actions follow a deeply concerning incident that occurred on Sunday, where a patient reportedly fell from an ICU bed after being left completely unattended by medical staff. The viral video capturing this negligence has sparked widespread condemnation from the public and patient families alike.
Suraj Pradhan, a patient's attendant, expressed grave concern stating, "We admit our loved ones to the ICU trusting that they will be monitored every single moment. Witnessing a critical patient fall from the bed because no staff was present is absolutely shocking and frightening. Such negligence puts precious lives at serious risk."
Hospital Response and Safety Measures
Hospital superintendent Gautam Satpathy addressed the media, emphasizing the seriousness with which the administration views the incident. "Any lapse in critical care areas like the ICU will be viewed with utmost seriousness. We have taken immediate administrative action and strengthened supervision protocols to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future," Satpathy told reporters.
The superintendent further detailed corrective measures being implemented:
- Internal monitoring mechanisms are being significantly reinforced
- Duty rosters are undergoing thorough review and restructuring
- Ensuring round-the-clock availability of both medical and nursing staff in all critical care units
- Enhanced supervision and accountability protocols for ICU operations
Broader Implications for Patient Safety
The incident has highlighted critical vulnerabilities in what should be the most secure area of hospital care—the 40-bed medicine ICU within the high-dependency unit. While the exact medical condition of the patient following the fall has not been officially disclosed, the visual evidence prompted immediate intervention from both hospital administration and health department officials.
This case underscores the pressing need for:
- Stricter adherence to patient monitoring protocols in critical care units
- Enhanced staff training and accountability measures
- Regular audits of ICU operations and safety procedures
- Transparent reporting mechanisms for medical incidents
The health department's probe will examine all aspects of the incident, including staff deployment patterns, supervision gaps, and systemic failures that may have contributed to this serious breach of patient safety standards. The outcome of this investigation is eagerly awaited by both the medical community and the general public who depend on SCB Medical College for critical healthcare services.
