A six-month-old baby infant tragically passed away after receiving anesthesia for an ear-piercing procedure at Bommalapura Primary Health Centre in Karnataka on Monday. The incident has led to allegations of medical negligence, with the grieving parents demanding strict action against the attending doctor.

Anand and Shubha, residents of Hangala village, had brought their son to the government health center for the customary ear-piercing procedure. After the doctor administered anesthesia to both ears, the infant reportedly fell unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby taluk hospital but was declared dead upon arrival. The parents blame the anesthesia for their child’s death and accuse the doctor of neglecting proper medical procedures. They also claimed the doctor charged Rs 200 for the procedure and are calling for his dismissal and compensation for their loss.

This incident has reignited concerns over anesthesia-related fatalities. Last year, a similar case in Hyderabad saw the death of a seven-year-old boy, Adan Michael, allegedly due to an overdose of anesthesia during a throat surgery. In another case in Malappuram, a four-year-old boy died after anesthesia was administered for a routine procedure.

Authorities are investigating the Bommalapura case to determine whether the proper protocols were followed. This tragedy highlights the pressing need for stricter regulations and oversight in the administration of anesthesia, especially in non-critical procedures.