Patient death at Bundelkhand Medical College triggers negligence inquiry, nurse suspended
Medical Negligence
Sagar: Medical negligence has been alleged in the death of a patient at Bundelkhand Medical College (BMC) in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, after a preliminary inquiry reportedly found that a high-risk anaesthesia injection was allegedly administered before surgery, leading to a rapid deterioration in his condition.
Following the preliminary findings, the college administration has suspended the nurse pending a detailed inquiry. Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and directed strict action against those found responsible.
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According to the news reports, the patient had been admitted to the ENT Department of BMC after developing a lump in his throat and was scheduled to undergo a biopsy on June 13. On June 12, hospital staff reportedly asked the family to arrange Atracurium Besylate, a muscle relaxant used during surgery.
It has been alleged that the drug, intended to be administered in a controlled operating theatre setting during surgery, was instead given prematurely through an intravenous (IV) line.
According to the patient's family, he developed severe breathing difficulties within minutes, followed by cardiac arrest. Doctors performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for nearly 45 minutes before shifting him to a ventilator. Although his condition briefly stabilised, he later died on June 23, 2026, while undergoing treatment.
The deceased’s wife has filed a complaint at Gopalganj Police Station seeking strict action against those responsible. She alleged that the nurse was using a mobile phone and Bluetooth earphones while administering the injection, leading to a critical lapse in patient care.
Speaking to Bhaskar English, College media in-charge Dr Vishal Bhadkariya said that, based on the family's complaint and the findings of the preliminary inquiry, the accused nurse had been suspended. He said a post-mortem examination had been conducted, and investigations were underway by both the police and the college administration. Further action will be taken based on the final inquiry report.
Medical experts have cautioned that the incident may reflect broader systemic issues beyond individual error.
According to an anaesthesia specialist from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, if a nurse has even the slightest doubt about a medicine, it should never be administered without first confirming with the treating doctor or a senior nursing officer. Modern patient safety protocols describe this as the 'Stop and Ask' principle, reports Bhaskar English.
Experts also pointed to possible gaps in hospital protocols, including drug handling procedures, supervision, training, double-check systems, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly for high-risk medications.
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