A three-year-old boy receiving treatment for blood cancer at AIIMS Bhopal died after a nurse allegedly injected formalin, a hazardous chemical used for preserving biopsy samples, into his bloodstream, according to a police FIR based on an internal hospital inquiry.
The child, identified as Sarthak Yadav from Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, had been admitted to the hospital’s paediatric ward for treatment of B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (B-ALL), a form of blood cancer. The incident reportedly occurred in December 2025 during preparations for a medical procedure.
Internal inquiry finds alleged negligence
According to the FIR, formalin had been brought to the ward in a syringe for use in preserving biopsy samples. Investigators alleged that the chemical should have been securely stored or disposed of after a planned biopsy procedure was deferred. Instead, it was reportedly left near the child’s bedside.
Police said the child’s father repeatedly warned hospital staff that the syringe did not contain intravenous flushing fluid. Despite the objections, the substance was allegedly administered to the child. The internal inquiry later concluded that the mistaken injection directly contributed to the child’s death.
FIR registered against two nursing officers
Based on the findings of the inquiry, police have registered a case against two nursing officers for alleged negligence. Authorities said investigations are continuing and no final conclusions have yet been reached regarding criminal liability.
The incident has raised serious concerns about patient safety protocols and the handling of hazardous chemicals within healthcare facilities. AIIMS Bhopal had not issued a detailed public response at the time of reporting.
The case has sparked widespread concern among medical professionals and the public, with many calling for stricter safeguards to prevent similar incidents in hospitals.