Nursing Staff Allege Mental Harassment at Koraput Medical College
Koraput | Feb 10, 2026 — Serious allegations of mental harassment and administrative high-handedness have been levelled against the administration of Koraput Shaheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, triggering concern over staff welfare and its possible impact on patient care.
Raj Laxmi Pradhan, President of the Nursing LT and IT Housing Association, alleged that nursing staff and other employees have been subjected to continuous mental harassment for a long period. She claimed that despite repeated written complaints submitted to the College Superintendent, no effective action has been taken regarding the functioning of the Register Administrator.
According to Pradhan, the nursing community has raised several legitimate demands, including the release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA), salary increments, and timely disbursement of salaries. However, she alleged that salaries of nurses and other staff are being withheld over minor administrative issues, causing severe financial hardship and mental stress. She further stated that when the issue was brought to the Superintendent’s notice, the Register Administrator reportedly responded arrogantly, claiming he was not accountable to any higher authority and that even the District Collector could not initiate action against him.
The Register Administrator, appointed in 2023, is also accused of intimidating nurses by threatening to make adverse entries or draw a “red line” in their Confidential Character Roll (CCR). Nursing staff alleged that such threats have created an atmosphere of fear, affecting their mental well-being and hampering their ability to discharge duties effectively.
Kulamani Sahu, General Secretary of the Odisha Nursing Association, said the matter has been formally brought to the notice of Koraput District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan. He added that the Collector has assured the nursing fraternity that the allegations will be examined seriously and appropriate action will be taken following a detailed inquiry.
Responding to the allegations, College Superintendent Sushant Kumar Sahu said that any form of mental harassment of employees is unjustified and unacceptable. He informed that meetings have been scheduled with representatives of the CDMO and the district administration to resolve the issue. He also noted that protests were held by staff in 2024 and 2025 seeking the transfer of the Register Administrator, with written representations submitted to the Collector. A council meeting has been convened to sort out the matter amicably, and the administration hopes for cooperation from all stakeholders.
