In a story of extraordinary resilience and medical triumph, a five-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh has returned home after a gruelling 114-day fight for his life. Kunal Yaduwanshi, who fell into a deep coma due to renal failure triggered by suspected toxic cough syrup, has made a miraculous recovery, becoming the youngest known survivor of a tragedy that claimed 24 other children.
A Family's Unwavering Hope Amidst Tragedy
Kunal, hailing from Parasia in Chhindwara district, was discharged from AIIMS Nagpur on Monday afternoon. His recovery brings a bittersweet joy, as his case is linked to a contaminated batch of Coldrif cough syrup found to contain the industrial-grade chemical diethylene glycol. All other victims were aged five years or below.
For months, his parents maintained a heartbreaking vigil. His father lost his job after staying by his son's bedside for months, while his mother endured separation from their elder daughter. The family exhausted their life savings, spending over Rs 6 lakh in private hospitals before shifting to government care. Yet, they never gave up hope, placing unwavering faith in the doctors.
The Medical Marathon at AIIMS Nagpur
Kunal's journey at AIIMS Nagpur began on September 11, when he was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in an extremely critical state. He was in a deep coma with acute kidney failure, severe hypotension, multi-organ dysfunction, and nearly absent brainstem reflexes.
Doctors immediately placed him on mechanical ventilation and initiated emergency dialysis. The case, managed by Dr. Meenakshi Girish with critical care led by Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhary, required a massive multidisciplinary effort. Despite a poor prognosis, the team persisted.
His treatment was a rollercoaster. He developed severe septicaemia with shock, needing advanced cardiac support, multiple blood transfusions, prolonged antibiotics, and a tracheostomy. After nearly three months in intensive care, he was finally weaned off the ventilator.
The Long Road to Recovery and Lasting Impact
Kunal's survival is described by doctors as extraordinary, as no other child in his age group has recovered from such severe toxic exposure. His recovery involved gradual neurological improvement, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. He slowly regained speech and the ability to interact with his parents.
The battle left its marks. Doctors detected optic nerve damage causing severe visual impairment. However, after ophthalmological intervention and immunosuppressive therapy, he has shown partial visual recovery, now able to perceive light.
Another child, 3.5-year-old Harsh Yaduwanshi from Betul, remains critical. AIIMS Nagpur waived all treatment costs for Kunal, with medical superintendent Dr. Nilesh Nagdeve ensuring uninterrupted critical care. Executive director Dr. Prashant P Joshi stated the case reflects the institution's commitment to saving every life.
For now, Kunal's family chooses to celebrate this second chance, thanking the doctors and god for a fate different from the 24 other grieving families.
