Woman Dies After Alleged Wrong Injection at Nuapada Hospital

Lachhanti Majhi, a 40‑year‑old woman from Pandrapathar village under Komna police limits in Nuapada district, died after receiving an injection that her family alleges was wrong at the district hospital on the night of August 28, 2026. She had been admitted on August 25 for mild fever and complained of severe chest and abdominal pain that evening. In the absence of the attending doctor, a hospital staff member administered an injection that the family alleges was not prescribed by the physician, leading to rapid abdominal swelling and her death within minutes.

What prompted the family to protest outside the CDMO office?

Following Lachhanti Majhi’s death, her family, joined by Congress workers, staged a sit‑in protest outside the office of the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) in Nuapada. They demanded justice, a high‑level inquiry into the incident, and financial assistance for the bereaved family. The protesters also submitted memorandums to Sub‑Collector Surmi Suren and Nuapada Tehsildar, urging strict legal action against Dr Ajay Panda and the payment of Rs 1 lakh as compensation. The district administration offered an immediate relief amount of Rs 10,000, which the family declined, insisting on their full demand.

What actions have authorities taken following the death?

Police personnel intervened to pacify the protesters after the sit‑in began. Subsequently, the woman’s body was sent for a post‑mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. A written complaint was lodged at Nuapada police station, leading to the registration of a murder case against Dr Ajay Panda. Officials have stated that a neutral investigation will be conducted to determine whether the death resulted from a wrong injection or any other medical error.

What compensation and legal steps are being sought?

Local leaders Harisingh Majhi, Ghasi Ram Majhi, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi joined the protest, calling for accountability and justice for Lachhanti Majhi. They participated in the sit‑in outside the CDMO office alongside the family and Congress workers. The leaders echoed the family’s demand for a thorough probe and insisted that those responsible be held liable.

The family has demanded Rs 1 lakh in compensation and the initiation of criminal proceedings against Dr Ajay Panda, alleging that his negligence and refusal to refer the patient to Bhima Bhoi Medical College contributed to her death. They have also pointed out that, despite repeated requests, the doctor did not refer Lachhanti to the higher‑level facility for specialized care.

Although the district administration offered an immediate relief of Rs 10,000, the family has refused it, insisting on the full amount and a thorough investigation. They have continued to call for a high‑level probe into the incident and for those found responsible to be held accountable.

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