A group of nurses posted in the SNCU at district hospital Malkangiri were seen dancing and frolicking in a number of TikTok videos that have now gone viral. The nurses posted inside the SNCU ward, where critical newborns are kept for medical care, were busy making TikTok videos and dancing to movie songs in what is being seen as gross neglect to their duty and professional ethics.
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As per reports, a number of TikTok videos shot inside the SNCU of Malkangiri district hospital had gone viral on 26 June. The nurses were seen dancing, acting and merry-making inside a medical ward meant for newborns who need critical care. One of the videos also shows a nurse picking up a newborn, kissing and posing with it.
After the videos went viral, a lot of social media outrage and reactions has prompted the state government to take notice. Yesterday, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the chief district medical officer of Malkangiri had stated that he is probing the matter and has informed the collector about it. He had assured that the concerned nurses will be issued a show cause notice and will be given 24-48 hours to reply.
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Naba Kishore Das, the state health minister had stated that he has sought reports over the issue and will take appropriate action.
As per latest reports, the state government has taken the issue seriously and has sent the 4 nurses seen in the videos on mandatory leaves. The nurses had admitted their mistake and had reportedly submitted their replies to the medical authorities. However, the nurses will not be allowed to report back on duty while the state government decides the course of action to be taken for the act of negligence of duty. The CDMO has reportedly submitted his report to the state government and further orders from the state government are awaited on the matter.
It is notable here that Malkangiri is a district with one of highest newborn mortality rates in the state. The Sick Newborn Care Units are the specialised care units in every district hospital that are meant to provide efficient care for the infants. The sheer carelessness and gross unprofessionalism displayed by the nurses is being widely criticised among the people.