The State Government’s so-called concern for sexually abused victims has once again been exposed after an acid attack victim was literally forced by the authorities to leave the SCB Medical College Hospital here on Friday.
Rashmita Bhadra (20) of the Rajnagar area of Kendrapada district, who had been undergoing treatment of the severe burn injuries sustained following an acid attack at the surgery ward of the hospital for over two and a half months, was discharged by the hospital authorities reportedly on the ground that she could not be allowed to occupy a bed for such a long time.
Rashmita is yet to recover fully, her family members said. The swelling on her face and other parts of the body persists and she is not able to either walk or eat on her own, they said.
The family members said they now have little option than get her admitted to a private nursing home for further treatment and bear the heavy expenses involved.
They said Rashmita was kept at the surgery ward for over two months, but the doctors were not keen about her proper treatment.
When the time has come for her plastic surgery, the hospital authorities discharged her and asked her to come every Tuesday for checkup and consultation with the doctors.
It may be noted that the Government is quick to announce ex-gratia of `10 lakh every time such victims die but does little for them when they are battling for recovery.
Rashmita’s family members alleged that the hospital authorities had promised them to provide pressure garments for her which they did not do.
The family had to buy these garments worth `15,000 on their own to save her life.
It may be recalled that one Alekh Mandal had thrown acid on Rashmita in the night of September 5 while she was asleep in her house at Badanaukana village as she had turned down his proposal for marriage.
She had been rushed to the SCB Medical College Hospital with 55 per cent burn injuries.