Palamu: 4-year-old boy dies after IV antibiotic injection; family alleges medical negligence
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Daltonganj, November 8: A four-year-old boy died while being taken to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in…
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THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, November 8: A four-year-old boy died while being taken to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in Daltonganj after his condition allegedly deteriorated following an intravenous (IV) antibiotic injection administered at a clinic in Manatu, Palamu, on Saturday.
The child’s family has alleged medical negligence, claiming that the injection was administered without following necessary precautions. The exact cause of death and the circumstances surrounding the treatment are yet to be established.
The deceased has been identified as Aayansh Kumar, son of Mithilesh Kumar, 30, a resident of Jaspur village under Manatu police station limits.
Father Records Statement at MMCH Police Outpost
Mithilesh gave his farad beyan (statement) to the police at the MMCH police outpost at around 8.20 pm on Saturday, November 7. His statement was recorded by Assistant Sub-Inspector Pushpa Dodrai in the emergency ward of MMCH, Daltonganj.
According to the statement accessed by this correspondent, Aayansh had been suffering from intermittent fever for two days.
Mithilesh claimed that he took the child to a practitioner identified as Deepak at Purana Bazar in Manatu on Saturday. The child was allegedly administered an injection by Deepak’s staff member, identified as Sandip.
The father alleged that the child’s condition deteriorated rapidly after the injection and that he started foaming at the mouth.
Child’s Condition Deteriorated After Injection
According to Mithilesh’s statement, Deepak attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) but could not revive the child.
He further alleged that Deepak arranged an oxygen cylinder from another healthcare facility, but it could not be used because it was empty.
Deepak subsequently took the child, along with his father and mother, towards MMCH Daltonganj in his car. Manatu is approximately 45 km from Daltonganj.
However, the child died on the way to the hospital, according to the father’s account.
Mithilesh alleged that Deepak got out of the vehicle during the journey and left, saying he was going home to arrange money for the child’s medical expenses.
The family later brought Aayansh to MMCH, where he was declared brought dead.
Family Alleges Prescription and Injection Vial Disappeared
The child’s father also alleged that Deepak and his staff member Sandip made the prescription and the injection vial disappear.
The allegations regarding the injection, the treatment provided and the disappearance of medical documents and the vial are yet to be independently established.
The police are expected to examine these claims as part of their investigation.
Civil Surgeon Flags Need for Precautions Before IV Antibiotic
Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Sriwastwa confirmed that a post-mortem examination of the child was conducted at MMCH, Daltonganj, on Saturday night.
He said the child had been administered an intravenous injection and that it was reportedly a high-strength antibiotic.
“Care and caution were not maintained. Skin prick test or pre-injection screening ought to have been done before giving this IV antibiotic injection,” opined the civil surgeon.
The Civil Surgeon’s observation has brought the issue of precautions before administering certain intravenous antibiotics into focus. However, the investigation and relevant medical findings will need to establish the precise drug administered and whether any medical protocol was violated.
Police Begin Investigation, Practitioner’s Credentials to Be Verified
Officer-in-charge of Manatu police station Vicky Barnwal said the police had started an investigation into the incident.
Administrative sources said the professional identity and qualifications of Deepak, along with the mandatory licensing status of his retail medical store, would be verified.
The police will also inform the Drug Inspector to examine whether the medical store was operating with the required licence.
Investigators are expected to ascertain the name of the antibiotic administered to the child and trace the injection vial and syringe, sources said.
The investigation will also need to establish the sequence of treatment, the circumstances in which the injection was administered and the events that followed.
The cause of Aayansh’s death and the responsibility, if any, of the practitioner or his staff remain to be determined.
