Sambalpur, Odisha: A 37-year-old man, Bijay Nayak, from High School Pada, Gobindpur, was arrested by police for allegedly using abusive language and issuing death threats to a doctor at the Gobindpur Community Health Centre (CHC) in Puratan Bamra. The incident, which occurred on June 21 around 3:30 PM, has raised concerns about rising anti-social activities at the healthcare facility. Nayak was charged under sections 91/25 and produced in court following his arrest.
According to sources, Nayak stormed into the CHC, verbally assaulted the doctor and staff, and threatened them with severe consequences. Although the doctors initially hesitated to file a formal complaint, a case was eventually registered, leading to Nayak’s apprehension. That same night, after authorities visited the CHC, Nayak reportedly returned and reiterated his threats, warning the doctors against reporting him.
The incident has severely impacted healthcare services at the CHC, which serves patients from Bamra, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh districts and handles post-mortems for Gobindpur, Simabarsi, and Rengali police stations. With only three doctors—Dr. Narayan Ray (BMO), Dr. Prabhupada Mishra, and Dr. Deba Kalyan Sahu—against 20 sanctioned posts, the facility is already understaffed. Dr. Ray’s administrative duties further limit his availability, leaving Dr. Mishra and Dr. Sahu to manage patient care. Both doctors have taken leave following the threats, leaving pharmacists to handle services.
The Bamra Patient Welfare Committee raised the issue with Sambalpur Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, who instructed Bamra Tehsildar Dilip Kumar Pradhan to investigate. The tehsildar, along with Gobindpur IIC Rajendra Behera and Sub-Inspector Debjani Chhatar, visited the CHC to address the situation. The incident has sparked outrage, highlighting the need for enhanced security and adequate staffing at the vital healthcare center.
