Two Dead, Two In ICU After Minor Surgeries At VIMSAR; Probe Demanded

Sambalpur: Serious concerns have emerged at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Odisha’s Sambalpur after at least five patients reportedly developed severe complications following minor surgeries in recent days. The incidents allegedly led to two deaths, while two other patients are currently undergoing treatment in the ICU.

The developments have sparked concern among doctors, who have demanded an expert-level investigation into the cause behind the sudden complications.

One of the affected patients, identified as 24-year-old Sanket Sahu, had reportedly undergone a minor ENT surgery for nasal tissue growth. However, a day after the procedure, his liver, kidneys and lungs allegedly began failing simultaneously.

According to reports, similar complications have been observed in at least four other patients from different departments of the hospital. In one case, a woman who underwent breast surgery was reportedly stable immediately after the operation but later developed multiple organ complications and was shifted to the ICU. Another patient was also admitted to the ICU after suffering organ failure following surgery.

Two other patients allegedly died after undergoing routine surgical procedures at the hospital.

In another incident, a patient identified as Dutika Nayak reportedly developed critical complications after surgery. As no ICU bed was available at VIMSAR, she was shifted to a private hospital for treatment.

Doctors suspect the issue may be linked to sterilised surgical instruments used during operations. Concerns have also been raised that the complications are not confined to the ENT department alone and may involve multiple surgical units.

The incidents have prompted demands for an independent investigation by an experienced state-level medical team to determine the exact cause behind the sudden organ failures and deaths.

Responding to the controversy, the VIMSAR Superintendent acknowledged that two such incidents following routine surgeries had come to his notice and said necessary steps were being taken to address the issue.