Patient Missing from Bhima Bhoi Medical College Sparks Safety Concerns in Odisha
Bolangir, — Tension gripped Bhima Bhoi Medical College on Thursday night after a patient reportedly went missing from the surgery ward, prompting serious questions about hospital security and protocol.
The missing patient, Pratap Behera of Haralanga village in Kalahandi district, had been admitted with burn injuries caused by hot water.
According to family members, Behera disappeared around 1 AM while his son was asleep beside him. The hospital allegedly delayed informing police for nearly 14 hours, intensifying the family’s frustration and sparking public concern.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Manasi Panda confirmed the patient’s escape and assured that an internal review is underway. “We will share more details once the review is complete,” she stated.
Police have launched an investigation, and hospital staff are cooperating to trace the missing individual. Meanwhile, Behera’s family continues to search nearby areas, urging authorities to act swiftly.
The incident has triggered scrutiny of the hospital’s security measures and accountability, with many questioning how a patient could vanish unnoticed from a monitored ward.
