In a significant move aimed at ensuring accountability in the state's healthcare system, a legislator in Rajasthan has formally demanded a detailed report on all cases of erroneous blood transfusions that have occurred in government hospitals over the past five years. The inquiry seeks to uncover the scale of the issue, including any patient deaths and the subsequent actions taken by the authorities.
MLA's Detailed Query in the Assembly
Kota South MLA Sandeep Sharma has filed a question in the Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha, seeking comprehensive data ahead of the Assembly's Budget session commencing on January 28. The query is not limited to just numbers; it demands a granular, incident-wise breakdown. This breakdown is to include the name of the hospital, the patient's name, their original blood group, and the blood group that was incorrectly transfused.
Furthermore, the MLA has specifically asked the state health department to confirm if any patient lost their life due to such medical negligence. The question also probes whether the government provided any compensation to the affected families in these tragic instances.
Health Department's Response and Procedure Scrutiny
When contacted about the MLA's demand, a senior health department official stated on Saturday, "We have sent the queries to all chief medical health officers in the state and sought a reply." The official confirmed that the department is actively collecting all the necessary details to compile a thorough response for the legislative assembly.
Beyond the statistical data, MLA Sandeep Sharma's question delves into the systemic protocols. He has sought clarity on the prescribed procedure for blood transfusion in government hospitals and blood banks. The query also asks for records detailing which personnel were responsible for taking blood samples and matching them with the blood to be administered to the patient.
Focus on Accountability and Corrective Measures
The legislator's inquiry underscores a critical demand for accountability. He has explicitly asked for information on the action taken in cases of wrong blood transfusion and the identity of personnel found guilty in such incidents. This move highlights growing concerns over patient safety and the enforcement of standard operating procedures in medical facilities run by the state.
The health department's forthcoming report, compiled in response to this query, is expected to shed light on the frequency of these errors, the effectiveness of existing checks and balances, and the government's responsiveness in addressing lapses and providing redress. The findings could potentially lead to stricter enforcement of transfusion protocols and improved training for healthcare staff across Rajasthan.
