Noida Diagnostic Centre Sealed After Child's Death During MRI Scan
NOIDA: In a tragic incident that has raised serious concerns about medical protocols, the district health department in Noida sealed a private diagnostic facility in Greater Noida on Friday. This decisive action came after a six-year-old child died, with preliminary reports suggesting the fatality may have been caused by an anaesthesia overdose administered prior to an MRI scan.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The young patient was undergoing treatment for recurring seizures and had been referred for diagnostic imaging to determine the underlying medical condition. On Thursday, he was taken to KB Diagnostic Centre located in Sector P-3 for the crucial scan. According to health officials, while preparing the boy for the MRI procedure, he was administered anaesthesia as part of the standard protocol.
However, after the scan was completed, the child reportedly failed to regain consciousness within the expected recovery window. Alarmed attendants immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite emergency efforts, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
Administrative Response and Investigation
Dr. Chandan Soni, the registrar (health), informed that a specialized team visited the centre on Friday and sealed the premises as a precautionary administrative measure. "This action was taken to secure all medical records, equipment, and documentation relevant to the ongoing probe," Dr. Soni explained. A dedicated investigation team has been formed to examine the circumstances surrounding the death comprehensively.
While the initial autopsy has not conclusively established the exact cause of death, viscera samples have been sent to Ghaziabad for detailed forensic analysis. Health officials emphasized that these forensic findings will be crucial in determining whether anaesthesia complications or any other medical factor contributed to this unfortunate outcome.
Legal and Procedural Developments
Dr. Soni noted that the child's family has yet to submit a formal written complaint to the health department. The on-site inspections were initiated after police authorities alerted the health department about the incident.
Beta-2 police confirmed they have received a complaint regarding the matter and have initiated procedural action. SHO Beta-2 Vinod Kumar stated, "In such cases of alleged medical negligence, an FIR can be lodged only after the health department completes its thorough investigation."
Centre Owner's Defense and Operational Details
The owner of KB Diagnostic Centre, S. Bhargava, has strongly denied allegations of negligence. "The patient was already suffering from severe seizures. After the MRI procedure, he walked out of the centre, but his condition deteriorated subsequently. Therefore, the anesthesiologist took him to a nearby hospital for immediate care. The complete findings will only be understood after the investigation concludes," Bhargava asserted.
He further revealed that there is no dedicated anesthesiologist permanently stationed at the centre. Instead, doctors on the panel visit the facility with their equipment based on availability and specific requirements.
Current Status and Future Measures
While the diagnostic centre is officially registered, health officials clarified that subsequent legal and administrative measures will depend entirely on both the forensic analysis report and the department's internal findings. "Until the investigation is complete and all facts are established, the diagnostic centre will remain sealed," an official stated firmly.
Medical Perspective on Pediatric Anaesthesia
Meanwhile, medical professionals explained that administering anaesthesia within strictly limited dosage to minors for MRI scans is generally considered a safe and routine procedure. This is typically done for children under 7-8 years old or those unable to remain still during the scan, ensuring both image quality and eliminating patient anxiety.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about safety protocols in diagnostic centres, particularly concerning paediatric patients requiring sedation for medical imaging.
