Odisha Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak resigns

Under fire over the recent casualties in fire tragedy at the SUM Hospital and his close proximity with Chairman Manoj Nayak, Odisha Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak has resigned, citing high moral ground.

Atanu was under pressure over deteriorating healthcare situation in the state be it Shishu Bhavan child mortality, Nagada, Dana Majhi episode, Dengue menace or Japanese Encephalitis deaths. SUM Hospital fire added to his woes.

Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak became the first Minister who have resigned in Naveen Patnaik’s 4th tenure.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister of Odisha Pradip Kumar Amat got additional portfolio of Health and Bikram Keshari Arukh got I&PR.

As Atanu’s wife is working at ITER owned by Manoj Nayak, the media (regional and national) gunned for his head. CM Naveen Patnaik announced the resignation of Atanu. It was accepted by the Governor later.