Bhanjanagar: A 19-year-old girl who was one among the scores of injured in Monday’s devastating fire mishap at SUM Hospital tragically breathed her last at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar late Thursday night.
Rashmita Swain was the only daughter of her parents, identified as Pradip and Sabita Swain. Rashmita hailed from Belguntha in Ganjam district and was a Plus III final year student at Khetriyapur College.
Her classmates described her as a bright student and one of the best performers in her class. Her village plunged into mourning after getting news of her death. Her body was taken her village Friday evening,
“Rashmita was admitted by her parents to SUM Hospital around a week back with a severe illness. Doctors told her family that she was recuperating well and she was set to be discharged Sunday itself.
However, her parents wanted her to stay in hospital for a day longer in order to ensure that she made a full recovery,” said a relative.
However, that was not to happen as a deadly blaze at the hospital snuffed out the lives of 23 people, besides injuring scores of other patients.
Rashmita was one among many who were left unconscious due to smoke inhalation. The injured persons were rushed to Capital Hospital, AMRI and SCB among others.
A mass prayer was held in Rashmita’s village in her memory. Her friends and teachers paid their last respects and recollected how Rashmita was an outstanding student.
Rashmita passed her CHSE boards with good marks and was awarded a laptop by the government due to her good performance.
Later, she joined Khetriyapur College and was in her Plus III final year pursuing a degree in Political Science.
“She was taken ill a few days back. Family members admitted her to SUM hospital after her condition worsened. On the fateful day, hospital authorities referred her to be discharged. Unfortunately, family members wished for one more day treatment as she was yet to make a full recovery. To her bad luck, fire broke out in the hospital the same day. She was then shifted to Capital Hospital in a critical condition,” Rashmita’s relatives added.
While 24 persons have died till now, the toll is expected to rise further as many more are still in a critical condition.
Sources said the fire broke out in the dialysis ward and soon engulfed the adjoining intensive care unit.
An investigation has been launched into the incident which is believed to have been caused by a short-circuit, said officials. The hospital, it was subsequently revealed by fire officials, had flouted various fire safety norms and had also displayed callousness in dealing with the aftermath of the incident.
“Negligence of the hospital authorities led to the loss of life of such a bright young girl, not to mention 23 others. It is unfortunate how in a rush to make more money, hospitals are throwing all safety precautions to the winds and are recklessly endangering the lives of patients in the process. We demand action. There has to be accountability for Rashmita’s death,” said a resident of her village. PNN