Probe ordered after two newborns share single oxygen cylinder at MKCG Medical College

Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: A high-level investigation has been launched following a disturbing incident at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where two newborns were reportedly administered oxygen from a single cylinder—raising serious concerns about medical safety and protocol violations.

The incident, which allegedly occurred in the hospital’s super-speciality department, has sparked public outrage and criticism over the hospital’s management. Locals and patient rights activists have condemned the incident, citing it as evidence of deep-rooted mismanagement and a reflection of the poor state of healthcare infrastructure in the state.

Taking serious note of the matter, the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Southern Division) has ordered a comprehensive probe into the circumstances that led to the lapse. The Superintendent of MKCG Medical College has been asked to submit a detailed report explaining how such a critical breach of neonatal care protocols occurred in a leading government hospital.

The RDC stressed that accountability must be fixed and that the probe should examine every aspect—whether it was due to a shortage of resources, negligence by medical staff, or technical failure.

The incident came to light on Monday, triggering intense scrutiny and calls for urgent reforms in neonatal care, stricter monitoring, and enhanced hospital infrastructure.