Puri, June 1: A shocking case of medical negligence by a quack has come to light in Odisha's Puri district, where a woman suffering from diarrhoea was allegedly administered 18 saline bottles in a single day, leading to a serious deterioration in her health.

The incident was reported from Kandagoda (Manpur) village under Brahmagiri police limits. The victim, Rashmita Bhatta (37), was later admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital after her condition turned critical. Hospital sources said her health is now stable following treatment.

According to family members, Rashmita suffered from repeated episodes of loose motion on Friday night. She was initially taken to the Kerandia Primary Health Centre in Brahmagiri, where doctors administered two saline bottles before discharging her.

However, when her symptoms persisted on Saturday, the family sought treatment from a local quack in the village. The unqualified practitioner allegedly administered 18 saline bottles—amounting to nearly nine litres of fluid—throughout the day.

Instead of recovering, Rashmita’s condition worsened significantly, prompting her family to rush her to the District Headquarters Hospital for emergency treatment.

Doctors treating the patient expressed concern over the continued dependence on unqualified medical practitioners in rural areas. They warned that many villagers bypass qualified doctors and seek treatment from individuals operating medicine shops or practicing without medical credentials. Such practitioners often administer injections and intravenous fluids indiscriminately, posing serious health risks to patients.

Medical experts noted that Rashmita’s relatively young age helped her body withstand the excessive fluid administration. They cautioned that if a similar treatment had been given to an elderly person, the consequences could have been far more severe and potentially life-threatening.