Infant's Fingertip Severed During IV Cannula Removal at Bengaluru Hospital
In a shocking incident of alleged medical negligence, the fingertip of a 6-month-old boy was severed during the removal of an IV cannula at Chinmaya Mission Hospital in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. The case has sparked outrage and led to a formal police complaint filed at the Indiranagar police station.
Mother's Heartbreaking Account of the Incident
The baby's mother, Priyadarshini, recounted the traumatic event with tears in her eyes. She explained that she and her husband, Vijay Kumar, had admitted their infant to the hospital on February 19 due to cough and congestion. "We followed medical advice and admitted our baby for treatment," she said. "On Tuesday, the hospital informed us they were discharging the baby. I settled all the bills, and after administering a final medicine, a nurse came to remove the cannula and dressing using scissors. That's when my baby's finger got cut, and the fingertip fell to the floor."
Priyadarshini alleged that when she urgently sought help from hospital staff regarding the injury, they repeatedly assured her that the skin would naturally grow back, a response she found deeply concerning and inadequate.
Police Action and Medical Reattachment
In response to the incident, the baby's father, Vijay Kumar, lodged a formal police complaint. Based on this, an FIR has been registered against three hospital staff members, including the nurse directly involved in the procedure. A senior police officer confirmed that a criminal case has been filed against the nurse named in the complaint.
According to police reports, the severed fingertip has been surgically reattached to the baby's finger. However, the success of this delicate procedure will only be determined after an observation period of approximately 15 days. For now, the infant remains hospitalized at Chinmaya Mission Hospital, receiving ongoing treatment for the finger injury.
Hospital's Silence and Broader Implications
Efforts to obtain a statement from medical officers at Chinmaya Mission Hospital have been unsuccessful, as multiple attempts to contact them yielded no response. This silence has raised further questions about accountability and patient safety protocols at the facility.
The incident highlights critical issues in healthcare, including:
- Patient safety during routine medical procedures.
- Staff training and adherence to safety protocols.
- Hospital accountability in cases of alleged negligence.
- The emotional and physical toll on families in such distressing situations.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are focusing on ensuring justice for the affected family while examining the circumstances that led to this severe injury. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures in medical settings to prevent such tragedies, especially involving vulnerable patients like infants.
