Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) of Southern Odisha has ordered a detailed investigation into a troubling incident at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where two newborns were administered oxygen from a single cylinder due to an apparent shortage.

According to reports, the incident involved a 14-day-old girl from Badpada village in Nuagada block and an 8-day-old boy from Padadigi village in Patrapur block, both in Gajapati district. Faced with a lack of sufficient oxygen cylinders, medical staff connected both infants to a single oxygen source using a Y-connector.

The practice has raised serious concerns about patient safety and the hospital’s resource management. Following public outcry and media attention, the RDC has initiated an inquiry to assess the circumstances and identify lapses. Action will be taken against those responsible based on the findings.

Hospital Superintendent Professor Dr. Durgamadhab Satapathy expressed strong displeasure over the practice. He confirmed that both infants had similar oxygen needs at the time, but stressed that such practices are medically unacceptable. Dr. Satapathy has directed the paediatric department to avoid using shared oxygen cylinders in the future and assured that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents.

The incident has highlighted the need for better inventory management and emergency preparedness in critical care units. The RDC's inquiry is expected to recommend steps to strengthen infrastructure and ensure the safety of newborns in government healthcare facilities.

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