Odisha Congress Demands ₹25 Lakh Compensation for SLNMCH Tragedy Victims

Odisha Congress has demanded ₹25 lakh compensation for the families of six patients who died under mysterious circumstances at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Congress Legislative Party Leader and Pottangi MLA Ram Chandra Kadam, former MLA Nimai Sarkar, and senior leader Meenakshi Bahinipati expressed strong disapproval of what they called a “symbolic and inadequate” visit by Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling to the hospital.

Bahinipati warned the government of statewide protests and road blockades if compensation is not immediately announced for the bereaved families. “The Congress party stands with the families of the victims. If justice is not delivered promptly, we will intensify our agitation,” she said.

The Congress delegation also alleged that they were denied a meeting with the minister during his hospital visit, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation.

Minister Mukesh Mahaling visited SLNMCH on Thursday to assess the situation. During his brief inspection of the surgery ward, he held a review meeting with hospital authorities. Speaking to the media afterward, the minister stated that preliminary findings suggested the deaths were due to severe pre-existing conditions, not medical negligence.

He confirmed that a state health department team had launched a formal inquiry and assured the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the final report.

However, the Congress party remains unconvinced. “Blaming pre-existing conditions without a full inquiry is a cover-up,” said Ram Chandra Kadam. “The families deserve both accountability and support.”

The incident has triggered widespread concern in Koraput district and beyond, with several civil society groups echoing the Congress party’s call for fair compensation and an impartial investigation into the deaths.