Woman's Death After Wrong Injection Sparks Protest in Nuapada
A 40-year-old woman from Pandrapathar village died after being given an unprescribed injection at a Nuapada district hospital, prompting a family-led protest demanding justice, a high-level probe, and Rs 1 lakh compensation.
What happened to Lachhanti Majhi and how did she die?
Lachhanti Majhi, a 40‑year‑old woman from Pandrapathar village under the Komna police limits, was admitted to the Nuapada district hospital on August 25, 2026 for treatment of a mild fever. According to her family, her condition worsened on the night of August 28 when she began complaining of severe chest and abdominal pain. In the absence of the attending doctor, a hospital staff member allegedly administered an injection that had not been prescribed by the doctor. Within approximately ten minutes of receiving the injection, Lachhanti’s abdomen reportedly swelled and she succumbed to the illness. The family has asserted that the wrong injection directly caused her death.
Why did the family demand compensation and a high‑level probe?
The bereaved family accused Dr Ajay Panda, the attending physician, of medical negligence for failing to provide the correct treatment and for refusing to refer Lachhanti to Bhima Bhoi Medical College in Balangir despite repeated requests from the family. Following her death, the family, joined by members of the Indian National Congress, staged a sit‑in protest outside the office of the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) on August 29, 2026. They submitted formal memorandums to the Sub‑Collector, Surmi Suren, and the Nuapada Tehsildar, insisting on strict legal action against Dr Panda and demanding a financial compensation of Rs 1 lakh. The district administration offered an immediate relief amount of Rs 10,000, which the family declined, maintaining that only the full Rs 1 lakh would satisfy their demand for justice.
What is the current status of the investigation and protest?
Police personnel intervened to calm the protestors after the sit‑in, after which Lachhanti’s body was sent for a post‑mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. A written complaint was lodged at the Nuapada police station, leading to the registration of a murder case against Dr Ajay Panda. Local leaders, including Harisingh Majhi, Ghasi Ram Majhi, and Bhanu Pratap Singh Majhi, joined the protest, echoing calls for accountability and justice. Authorities have stated that a neutral investigation will be conducted to determine whether the death resulted from a wrong injection or another form of medical error, and they have pledged to act on the findings once the inquiry is complete.
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Who was the woman who died and when was she admitted?
Lachhanti Majhi, 40, from Pandrapathar village under Komna police limits, was admitted to the district hospital on August 25 for mild fever.
How did the wrong injection occur according to the family?
The family alleges that hospital staff gave her an unprescribed injection without the attending doctor's approval, which led to her death within ten minutes.
Which doctor was accused of negligence and what was the outcome?
Dr Ajay Panda was accused of negligence and refusing to refer the patient to Bhima Bhoi Medical College, Balangir, despite repeated requests.
What demands did the family make to the authorities?
The family demanded justice, a high-level probe, and Rs 1 lakh compensation, submitting memorandums to the Sub-Collector Surmi Suren and Nuapada Tehsildar.
What immediate relief was offered by the administration and how was it rejected?
The administration offered Rs 10,000 as immediate relief, which the family refused, insisting on their full demand of Rs 1 lakh compensation.
When was the protest held and where?
The protest was staged on August 29 outside the CDMO office in Nuapada.
What are the next steps regarding the investigation?
Authorities have assured a neutral investigation to determine whether the death resulted from a wrong injection or medical error.
Bibhuti Bhusan Sahu
District Correspondent, Nuapada
Bibhuti Bhusan Sahu reports on Nuapada district's border-area development, migration trends, and local governance for the Mirror.
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