Wrong blood transfusion on pregnant woman: Two doctors terminated, staff nurse suspended

Malappuram: In response to allegations of a wrongful blood transfusion on a pregnant woman at the Government Women and Children Hospital in Ponnani, the Kerala Health Department on Saturday took action against two temporary doctors and a staff nurse in connection with the case.

The two doctors, who were working at the hospital on a contract basis, have been terminated from service and the staff nurse has been suspended pending enquiry, the Health Minister's office said.

The department took action against the duo after a 26-year-old woman was allegedly given the wrong blood group during a transfusion on Thursday. Hospital sources told PTI that the eight-month pregnant woman with an 'O' negative blood group was wrongly given B positive blood group.

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The incident happened when the patient, a resident of Palappatti, was admitted to the hospital due to a significant decrease in her haemoglobin level during her eighth month of pregnancy. She underwent blood transfusions on both Tuesday and Wednesday at the medical facility. However, on Thursday evening, the hospital staff informed her that she required an additional round of blood transfusion. Unfortunately, an error occurred, and instead of receiving the O-negative blood group, she was mistakenly given B-positive blood.

After receiving the wrong blood type during the transfusion, the patient experienced shivering and discomfort. The nurse quickly informed the doctor upon realizing the mistake, leading to the patient being promptly taken to Thrissur MCH. Her condition is reported to be stable now.

Following this, a protest was staged by United Democratic Front (UDF) workers in front of the hospital and blocked the hospital superintendent Dr PK Asha for four hours on Friday demanding answers from those considered responsible.

Talking about the incident, Dr Asha informed On Manorama "Around 15 ml of blood was transfused to the pregnant woman mistakenly and they stopped the transfusion soon after they realised the mistake. We have soon taken preventive measures to stabilise the woman and referred her to the Thrissur Medical College Hospital. An internal inquiry has been conducted here and the report has been submitted to the District Medical Officer. As far as we know, the pregnant lady is stable at the Medical College now"

"There was serious medical negligence at the hospital. The hospital lacked the vigilance they had to pay for the patient. The hospital administration has admitted their mistake and ensured their vigil in future. We have learned that one of the nursing staff has been suspended as a preliminary action. The superintendent has also ensured that a detailed inquiry would be conducted and necessary action would be taken against the responsible persons", said Farhan Biyyam, UDF member and opposition leader of the municipality.

The state health department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the case and will take necessary actions based on the results of the inquiry report soon.

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