Bihar Hospital administers Anti-Rabies Vaccine to child, kin allege negligence

West Champaran: In an alleged case of medical negligence, a child suffering from high fever was mistakenly administered an anti-rabies vaccine at Bagaha Sub-Divisional Hospital in Bihar's West Champaran district, triggering outrage and demands for accountability from his family.

The incident took place when a resident of Pipariya brought his grandson to the hospital after the child developed a high fever of approximately 104°C. In the Outpatient Department (OPD), the on-duty doctor inadvertently prescribed an anti-rabies vaccine, which was then administered to the child at the hospital's medicine counter.

The confusion came to light when hospital staff told the family to return on September 1 for a fourth dose of the vaccine — a schedule that typically follows post-exposure treatment after a dog bite. Surprised and concerned, the grandfather of the patient asked for clarification, only to be informed by a health worker that the patient had been mistakenly treated for a dog bite and had just received his third dose of the anti-rabies vaccine.

Realizing the blunder, the family was shocked and outraged, accusing the hospital staff of gross negligence and demanding strict accountability for the error.

Also Read: MP doctor allegedly refuses anti-rabies injection, suspended

Speaking to News 18, Deputy Superintendent in charge, Dr Ashok Kumar Tiwari, clarified that during the OPD hours, Dr Arun Kumar Yadav was on post-mortem duty, and Dr Bharti was overseeing the OPD. He explained that a mix-up had occurred, leading to Saurabh receiving a prescription intended for another patient.

Dr. Tiwari assured that the injection caused no harm and confirmed that the patient was later given appropriate fever treatment and medication.

Despite the hospital’s assurances, the patient’s grandparents continue to press for disciplinary action against the staff responsible.

Also Read: Kerala: Despite taking rabies jab, 6-year-old girl bitten by dog dies

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in an unfortunate incident, a six-year-old girl receiving treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) in Kerala's Malappuram district died of rabies, a month after being bitten by a stray dog, despite having received preventive vaccination, family sources said.