- Former Minister and veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, Damodar Rout, has been declared brain dead after suffering a cardiac arrest.
- His son, Sambit Routray, blames Capital Hospital authorities for the deteriorating condition of his father.
- Capital Hospital Director Dr. Laxmidhar Sahu refuted these claims, stating that Rout was attended to promptly upon arrival and received necessary primary treatment.
- Damodar Rout, a seven-time MLA and former minister in the Odisha government was a prominent figure in BJD’s founding and later joined the saffron party.
- Despite political differences, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his concerns and wished Rout a swift recovery via Twitter.
Former Minister and veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, Damodar Rout, has been declared brain dead after suffering a cardiac arrest. His son, Sambit Routray, blames Capital Hospital authorities for the deteriorating condition of his father.
Rout was rushed to Capital Hospital after the cardiac arrest on March 18 but allegedly faced delays in receiving critical care, leading to extensive brain damage. According to Sambit, the hospital’s failure to promptly administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) resulted in the dire situation.
“It took 15-20 minutes to shift my father to a private hospital,” stated Sambit. “During this time, his brain suffered extensive damage due to the lack of oxygen supply.”
Sambit held Capital Hospital authorities accountable, alleging that despite several requests, CPR was not provided promptly. However, Capital Hospital Director Dr. Laxmidhar Sahu refuted these claims, stating that Rout was attended to promptly upon arrival and received necessary primary treatment. Dr. Sahu emphasized that CPR was not deemed necessary based on Rout’s condition at the time.
Damodar Rout, a seven-time MLA and former minister in the Odisha government, was a prominent figure in BJD’s founding and later joined the saffron party. Despite political differences, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his concerns and wished Rout a swift recovery via Twitter.
In response to Sambit’s allegations, Dr. Sahu clarified that Rout’s condition did not warrant CPR and that the hospital promptly provided necessary care. He also mentioned referring Rout to a private hospital due to the lack of specialized kidney doctors at Capital Hospital.
The incident underscores the importance of prompt and appropriate medical intervention during emergencies. As the controversy unfolds, concerns regarding healthcare protocols and facilities come to the forefront, demanding thorough investigation and accountability measures.
Damodar Rout’s critical condition serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of efficient healthcare systems in times of crisis. As prayers pour in for his recovery, the incident prompts reflection on healthcare practices and the need for swift action to save lives.
(With inputs from agencies)
