A shocking drama of alleged medical negligence has erupted in Madhya Pradesh Sagar district where a 19 months old toddler had claimed to have lost his vision after cough syrup was injected into his eyes, instead of prescribed eye drops, in a government hospital.
The family says the toddler had been admitted under normal circumstances for treatment where the alleged mistake took place. The hospital staff allegedly poured cough syrup into the child’s eyes instead of eye drops, causing serious or severe damage.
Soon after the child’s condition worsened and he was taken to the doctor immediately. Family members stated that he has been permanently impacted on his vision because of the error.
The incident has led locals to outrage and has caused patients and the medical protocols at government clinics much concern. The family has called for firm action to be taken against the person(s) responsible as well as a proper investigation into the alleged negligence.
Residents of the health department have admitted responsibility for the incident and have begun an investigation into what went wrong. Investigators are also likely to be taking statements from treatment staff at the hospital and review medical records.
Disciplinary measures could be implemented for the person or persons who are deemed responsible for the allegations. Authorities have also pledged the highest standard of medical treatment will be given to the child and that previous incidents can be avoided.
Yet again, the case has sparked questions regarding health care safety in public hospitals and the necessity of tightened safety protocols and oversight of medicines’ administration, especially in paediatric wards where the errors can have fatal repercussions.
This investigation is ongoing and further action may be dependent on the outcome of the investigation.