Odisha Seeks Expert Help to Cut High Mortality Rate in Open-Heart Surgeries at SCB Hospital

Amid rising post-surgery deaths, the Odisha government has sought help from AIIMS Delhi and Kottayam Medical College to improve open-heart surgery outcomes at SCB Medical College, Cuttack.

Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: Concerned over the high mortality rate among patients undergoing open-heart surgeries at Cuttack’s S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH), the Odisha government has sought assistance from premier institutions — All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and Government Medical College, Kottayam — to improve outcomes.

The Health and Family Welfare Department informed the Orissa High Court that the state has reached out to both institutions, which have agreed to depute expert teams to guide and support cardiac surgeons at SCBMCH. The move follows the High Court’s concern over the alarming death rate in open-heart surgeries at the hospital’s Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) wing.

“The matter has been taken up with AIIMS, New Delhi, and Government Medical College, Kottayam. They have assured to send teams that would guide surgeons at SCBMCH so that concerted efforts can be made to reduce the mortality rates, which at this stage is alarming,” Health Secretary Aswathy S stated in an affidavit filed before the court.

According to official data submitted to the High Court, around 17% of patients who underwent open-heart surgeries at SCBMCH between January 2023 and August 2025 died post-surgery.

The affidavit highlighted that the availability of trained faculty in super-specialty disciplines like CTVS in Odisha remains limited. The government is taking steps to engage more faculty members and senior residents, either on a contractual or regular basis, with appropriate remuneration to ensure uninterrupted patient care.

Aswathy informed the court that until three additional CTVS surgeons are recruited, forming a second surgical team will not be feasible. The state also plans to send existing CTVS and critical care faculty for exposure visits and advanced training, while deploying already trained personnel from other medical colleges during major surgeries.

Further, the government has initiated steps to invite experts from AIIMS for hands-on training, skill development, and guidance to improve the capabilities of surgeons, nurses, and paramedical staff. The experts will also assist in upgrading operation theatres and intensive care units with modern equipment and instruments to ensure better outcomes.

Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, the Orissa High Court observed that while open-heart surgery is a complex and high-risk procedure, proper planning and expert execution can significantly improve survival and quality of life for patients.

The court has scheduled the next hearing on the matter for November 27.