A government doctor in Kerala has been booked over allegations that she prescribed an overdose of medicine to a six-month-old infant after immunization, resulting in the child falling seriously ill.
The incident happened in Aluva. The news agency reported that the child’s father filed a complaint against the doctor attached to the Aluva District Government Hospital on Saturday PTI I mentioned.
The child was reportedly given a vaccine at the hospital in April this year, and to prevent fever after vaccination, the doctor allegedly prescribed liquid paracetamol in an amount exceeding the recommended dosage, the complainant alleged.
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Vaccinations in children often cause fever and doctors prescribe paracetamol to relieve symptoms. However, paracetamol should be given according to the child’s age and weight, otherwise it may be harmful.
This is what appears to have happened in the Kerala case, where police said the infant became seriously ill after being given medication and was taken to a private hospital in Aluva. The child remained in the hospital for five days, costing the family huge costs $80,000, the complainant alleged.
A case has been registered under Section 125 (A) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for negligent act endangering human life or personal safety, the police said.
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Officials said the investigation will include examining the child’s medical records with the help of medical experts. The doctor’s statement will also be recorded as part of the investigation, they added.
Similar incident
In another incident of medical negligence in Kerala, an 18-month-old boy died after being sedated during treatment for a cut lip, The Week reported.
The child, identified as Devansh Sohuria, was injured while playing in the courtyard of his house and was taken by his parents to Baby Memorial Hospital in Payyanur for treatment.
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But the family claimed that the child became seriously ill after being given anesthesia to be stitched. The child’s condition quickly deteriorated. The hospital later transferred him to the Kannur unit for advanced treatment where he died late on Friday evening.
With inputs from PTI
