Bengaluru: A case of alleged medical negligence has been registered after a six-month-old baby reportedly lost the last finger of his left hand while an IV drip was being removed at a private hospital in Indiranagar.
According to police, the incident occurred on February 24 at Chinmaya Mission Hospital. Based on a complaint filed by the child’s father, the Indiranagar Police Station has registered a case against a nurse, the treating doctor and the hospital management.
Child admitted for fever and cold
As per the First Information Report (FIR), the complainant, Vijay Kumar J (39), stated that his six-month-old son, Balakumar V, had been admitted to the hospital on February 19 after suffering from severe fever and cold. The child was admitted around 10.57 am on medical advice for further treatment.
The FIR states that the infant was under the care of Dr Meenakshi from February 19 to February 24. During this period, he was administered treatment, including intravenous (IV) fluids.
On February 24, at around 3 pm, doctors reportedly decided to discharge the child after his condition showed improvement. The family completed the hospital bill payment and discharge formalities were under way.
Alleged injury during IV removal
According to the complaint, during the process of removing the IV drip, nurse Anitha allegedly cut off the last finger of the baby’s left hand. The father has alleged that the injury occurred between 3 pm and 8 pm on February 24.
The complainant stated that the child experienced severe pain and was immediately rushed to the emergency ward, where the wound was dressed. However, he has alleged gross negligence on the part of the hospital staff, claiming that the infant suffered grievous injury and permanent damage.
The father has sought strict legal action against the nurse involved, the treating doctor and the hospital management, holding them responsible for the incident.
Case registered and probe initiated
Police have registered a case under relevant sections pertaining to causing grievous hurt by negligence. Officials said statements will be recorded from hospital staff and medical records will be examined as part of the investigation.
The matter has been forwarded to the 10th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court at Mayohall for further legal proceedings. Authorities said they will also seek expert medical opinion to determine the circumstances under which the injury occurred.
Hospital yet to respond publicly
As of now, there has been no detailed public statement from the hospital management regarding the allegations. Police indicated that notices may be issued to concerned staff members for questioning.
Medical negligence cases involving infants are treated with utmost seriousness, and investigators are expected to examine whether standard operating procedures were followed while removing the IV line.
The incident has triggered concern among parents and residents in the area. Authorities have assured that the investigation will be conducted impartially and that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
Further details are awaited as the probe progresses.