In a disturbing incident in Guwahati, the family of a 10-year-old boy named Abdul, from Morigaon district, has filed a police complaint accusing a nurse of pouring acid on the child. The incident allegedly occurred at Dalangghat Model Hospital on Monday. According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Boribazar police outpost by Pinku Rahman, Abdul’s father, the boy had sustained injuries on the back of his head after a fall in the bathroom on May 18. Following this injury, Abdul was initially treated at the hospital and subsequently discharged.
The family of 10-year-old Abdul from Guwahati’s Morigaon area has reported the incident to the police, stating that the child received acid burns from a nurse. The incident reportedly took place at Dalangghat Model Hospital on Monday. Following a fall in the lavatory on May 18, Abdul’s father, Pinku Rahman, reported his son’s injuries to the back of his head in a First Information Report (FIR) at the Boribazar police outpost. After this injury, Abdul was first treated at the hospital before being allowed to go home.
The horrific story was confirmed by Abdul’s mother, who described how her son screamed in excruciating pain and how the skin where the liquid was sprayed turned dark, swelled, and looked scorched. She said she was shocked and disbelieving, that medicine shouldn’t be causing these kinds of reactions, and that she thought the material might be acid. The mother went on to say that some hospital employees threatened to contact the police in response to the family’s protests over the nurse’s activities, which made them feel even more uncomfortable.
The concerned medical staff was called in by the police for questioning on Tuesday night in response to the complaint. An inquiry is being conducted, according to a police officer, to ascertain what kind of liquid was used on Abdul’s wound. Abdul’s status, which is currently deemed stable, is being constantly monitored by a group of medical professionals in the meantime.
The family’s claims have been denied by Dr. Utpal Mahanta, the deputy superintendent of Dalangghat Model Hospital, who claims that the liquid in question was really a betadine solution, a common disinfectant, rather than acid. Dr. Mahanta’s claim is a major point of contention in the case because it refutes the family’s allegations and calls for an objective, in-depth inquiry to determine the truth.
This event brings to light a number of important problems with the healthcare system, such as how medical treatments are managed and delivered, how doctors and patients’ families communicate, and how patient complaints and grievances are handled. If confirmed, the family’s accusations indicate a serious violation of patient safety regulations and medical ethics. On the other hand, if the hospital’s explanation turns out to be true, it highlights the necessity of improved medical treatment education and communication in order to avoid miscommunication and foster patient-provider confidence.
The course of events that allegedly led to the administration of the liquid, the replies and actions of the medical staff involved, and the particular characteristics of the substance in question must all be carefully examined in the incident inquiry. The precise nature of the liquid, the nurse’s technique, and the hospital’s standard operating procedures for wound care and therapy are important areas to look at. The investigation’s conclusion will ascertain whether the family’s accusations are true, as well as whether there are any systemic problems with the hospital’s procedures that should be fixed to stop future occurrences of this kind.
This instance also clarifies the larger context of healthcare delivery in rural and semi-urban settings, where there may not always be enough resources or training. For safe and efficient treatment delivery, it is crucial to guarantee that medical facilities are outfitted with the necessary equipment and that healthcare personnel are appropriately trained. This tragedy ought to make the hospital and possibly other similar healthcare facilities reevaluate their safety procedures, patient communication plans, and training initiatives.
It is impossible to ignore the psychological and emotional toll that this catastrophe has taken on Abdul and his family. Both the injury’s trauma and the purported mismanagement that occurred during treatment have probably had a lasting impact on the young child and his parents. The family should have access to psychological therapy and counseling as well as other support services to help them deal with the upsetting event.
The incident involving Abdul at Dalangghat Model Hospital raises serious concerns about patient safety, medical ethics, and the quality of healthcare services. The allegations made by Abdul’s family are grave and necessitate a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the facts and determine accountability. Regardless of the investigation’s outcome, this case underscores the need for continuous improvement in healthcare practices, better communication between healthcare providers and patients, and robust systems for addressing patient complaints and grievances. It also highlights the importance of training and equipping healthcare workers to ensure the highest standards of patient care and safety. The resolution of this incident should serve as a catalyst for positive change within the healthcare system, ensuring that similar situations are prevented in the future and that all patients receive the safe, compassionate, and effective care they deserve.
SOURCE:
TIMES OF INDIA