Serious questions concerning patient safety and the dangers of untrained workers doing medical procedures have been raised by a recent occurrence at Satellite Hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. After learning the technique from a YouTube tutorial, a lab attendant was shown performing an ECG scan on a patient in a widely shared video. Concerns regarding the risks of depending on internet sources for medical advice have been raised by the occurrence, which has drawn considerable condemnation and alarm from the public and medical community.
The patient’s relatives voiced their concerns on the video, stating that they were worried the procedure might endanger the safety of their loved one. A family member even cautioned that performing the ECG without the necessary expertise could endanger the patient’s life. Their response highlights the worry that families feel, particularly in dire circumstances, when they think their loved ones are not getting the care they need.
In response to the criticism, the lab attendant stated that he had no choice but to try the operation himself because so many employees were not available during the Diwali festival. “Everything is set up” and the machine will function, he told the family and viewers. This rationale, however, raises questions over the increasing tendency of healthcare personnel being compelled to perform tasks for which they lack the necessary training because of a lack of staff, especially at peak times or holidays.
Social media users had conflicting reactions to the incident when it became viral. Some backed the lab attendant, claiming that he had to take on more responsibilities due to staff shortages. Others, however, highlighted the risks associated with untrained individuals handling medical duties. Erroneously, some commenters minimized the intricacy of ECGs, asserting that anyone could do it with the same ease as taking blood sugar. The need for more public education regarding the duties and responsibilities of healthcare professionals is highlighted by this myth.
The attached medical college’s principal, Dr. BS Jodha, responded to the situation by launching an investigation into the lab attendant’s behavior. This emphasizes how crucial it is to uphold stringent guidelines for medical treatments and guarantee that only trained individuals carry them out. It also draws attention to the larger problem of healthcare facilities’ staffing shortages, which can force underqualified personnel to step in and jeopardize patient care.
This incident brings to mind previous incidents, such the terrible death of a 15-year-old kid in Bihar who died following surgery performed by a phony doctor he found on YouTube. These incidents highlight how important it is to have appropriate regulation and supervision in place to guarantee patient safety in medical facilities.
SOURCE :
TIMES OF INDIA
