‘Black magic’ rituals in Odisha govt hospital

In certain pockets of Odisha, there is still the influence of shamans and quacks who try to cure ailments through rituals and “black magic”. Most of these faith healers are found to flourish in tribal pockets of the state, like Keonjhar, Rayagada and Malkangiri.

“No doctor was present when the shaman was performing his rituals,” said Chief District Medical Officer Dr Ramachandra Rout, contradicting local news reports that doctors were present at the time.

Other medical personnel at the hospital saw no harm in the rituals. “Gunias are part of our culture. Sometimes, they work on psychiatric patients. Our government has created facilities for Ayush, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Homeopathy. Gunia belongs to the same ‘stable’ of care,” said a paramedic staff member at the hospital.