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Cuttack: The Odisha High Court recently expressed shock upon learning that nearly 17 per cent of patients who underwent open heart surgery at the Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) wing of SCB Medical College & Hospital (SCBMCH), Odisha’s largest government-run healthcare facility, died following the procedure between January 2023 and August 2025.

Expressing concern over the rising mortality rate, the court directed the government to carry out an audit to ascertain the causes after taking suo motu cognisance of a report on post-open-heart surgery deaths.

According to the hospital’s data, approximately 186 patients were admitted for open-heart surgery in 2023. Out of them, 21 left against medical advice, which leaves the patient count to 165. Among the remaining patients who underwent the procedure, 15 patients died post-surgery.

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In 2024, there were 181 admissions, and 46 patients left against medical advice. Of the 135 surgeries conducted that year, 24 patients died. Between January and August 2025, 138 patients were admitted, and 53 of them left against medical advice. Out of 85 surgeries performed during this period, 26 patients died.

Over the past 30 months, 385 surgeries were conducted at the CTVS wing, of which 65 patients died post-surgery, taking the mortality rate to 16.88 per cent, reports UNI.

While hearing the matter, the Division Bench comprising Justice S.K. Sahoo and Justice V. Narasingh said, “The cause of death after open heart surgery, which is rising, needs thorough investigation. Mortality risks may be lowered by engaging patients in supervised cardiac rehabilitation programmes, ensuring adherence to medication, and imparting lifestyle guidance.”

As per The Hindu media report, the court, during the course of the hearing, was apprised by the government that the surgeon, who is conducting the open heart surgery, is scheduled to retire next year.

In response, the Court directed the Medical Superintendent of SCBMCH to furnish complete data on the current status of surviving open heart surgery patients. It also asked the State Government to constitute another team of competent CTVS specialists to meet growing demand and reduce the financial burden on patients who are otherwise forced to opt for treatment in private hospitals.

“The Medical Superintendent, SCBMCH, Cuttack shall furnish the full data of the present status of survived open heart surgery patients. Every endeavor shall be made by the government to form another team of competent doctors in Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery (CTVS) to conduct open heart surgery taking into account its demand and costs likely to be incurred by the patients if it is conducted in any private hospital, Efforts shall also be made to counsel the patients who are taking admission for open heart surgery so that there would be reduction of LAMA (Left Against Medical Advice) cases,” said the court.

The Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary assured the Court that an audit of mortality causes would be carried out if not already undertaken. “Steps would be taken to ensure that there would be no dislocation and let up in the patient care so far as open heart surgery is concerned,” she assured the court. 

The Court has directed the Superintendent of SCBMCH to place on record the minutes of such a Death Review Board or equivalent body by September 26, the date fixed for the next hearing.

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