Serious allegations of medical negligence have emerged at the Patnagarh Sub-Divisional Hospital in Bolangir district, prompting authorities to order an official inquiry into the conduct of a senior pharmacist.
The accused pharmacist has been identified as Naveen Nayak, who was recently promoted to the post of Senior Pharmacist. The alleged incident occurred at the hospital’s medicine distribution centre on Wednesday evening.
According to complaints from patients and their families, Nayak allegedly administered a tetanus toxoid (TT) injection to an elderly woman and continued dispensing medicines while remaining seated. It was further alleged that he informed several patients that certain prescribed medicines were out of stock.
Some locals have also claimed that the pharmacist was performing his duties under the influence of alcohol, raising serious concerns about patient safety. They alleged that the medicines provided to patients did not match the prescriptions issued by doctors.
The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Pushpanjali Mishra, confirmed that a formal complaint had been received alleging that the pharmacist was on duty around 9 pm in an inebriated condition. She stated that an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts and that appropriate action will be taken if the allegations are proven.
Following the incident, agitated locals reportedly confronted the pharmacist and questioned his conduct, leading to tensions at the hospital premises. The episode has sparked broader concerns regarding monitoring mechanisms, accountability, and patient safety standards at the government healthcare facility.
Authorities are currently examining the evidence and statements from staff and patients to determine whether the alleged misconduct was an isolated occurrence or indicative of a larger systemic issue.
