A 19-month-old child has permanently lost his eyesight after allegedly being given the wrong medicine at a government hospital in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. The incident, which occurred at the Civil Hospital in Banda, has sparked investigations by both the police and the state health department.
Details of the Incident
The child, a resident of Bhusa Kamalpur village in Sagar district, was taken by his father, Indraj Vishwakarma, to the Civil Hospital in Banda after developing a mild cold, cough, and redness in the eyes. According to the family, the child was examined by paediatrician Dr. Himanshu Verma, who prescribed eye drops, paracetamol, and other medicines.
The family alleged that during treatment, hospital staff mistakenly administered a medicine meant for clearing mucus into the child's eyes instead of the prescribed eye drops. Soon after, the child's condition deteriorated rapidly. He was initially shifted to the Sagar District Hospital and later referred to AIIMS Bhopal as his condition turned critical.
Medical Outcome and Family's Response
According to the family, doctors at AIIMS Bhopal informed them that the severe reaction caused by the wrong medicine and alleged medical negligence had resulted in the child permanently losing his eyesight. The child's father submitted a written complaint at the Banda police station against the duty doctor and hospital staff, seeking legal action.
Indraj Vishwakarma, the child's father, stated, "We trusted the hospital staff to treat our child, but their negligence has left him blind for life. We demand strict action against those responsible."
Official Investigations Launched
The Health Department has initiated an inquiry into the matter. The Chief Medical and Health Officer of Sagar has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the incident and has sought its report within seven days. Alongside the departmental probe, police are conducting a separate investigation.
This case follows another alleged instance of medical negligence in Sagar district, where a patient identified as Devendra Pathak died at Bundelkhand Medical College after an alleged overdose of anaesthesia and failure to provide timely treatment. That incident had prompted Health Minister Rajendra Shukla to order an inquiry.
Political and Public Health Implications
The incident has acquired political significance as it occurred in the district overseen by the state's Health Minister. The family has sought action against those responsible, highlighting ongoing concerns over patient safety in public healthcare facilities in Madhya Pradesh.
According to the health department, the three-member committee will investigate the circumstances leading to the medication error and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The police investigation is also ongoing, and no arrests have been reported as of now.
