Guwahati: Serious questions have been raised over patient safety at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) after the family of a woman alleged that she was mistakenly administered medication intended for another patient, leading to a sharp decline in her health.
Kabita Deka had been admitted to the hospital with fever and was undergoing treatment when the alleged incident took place during the night. According to her relatives, a nurse accidentally injected her with three doses prescribed for a patient receiving treatment for a kidney-related illness.
Family members alleged that the nurse was working under the supervision of Head Nurse Minakshi Duwara when the medication mix-up occurred. They claimed that Deka’s health deteriorated shortly after the injections were administered, with the patient developing unexpected complications.
Concerned by the sudden change in her condition, the family approached the nursing staff to seek an explanation. They alleged that their initial queries were not addressed and that the matter was brushed aside. However, after repeated questioning, the junior nurse reportedly acknowledged that the injections had been administered to the wrong patient by mistake.
The alleged lapse has triggered concerns over adherence to standard medical procedures and monitoring of patients at Assam’s premier government hospital. The incident has also renewed demands for stricter checks to prevent medication errors in hospitals.
Hospital authorities have not yet issued an official response to the allegations. Meanwhile, the patient’s family has sought a detailed inquiry into the incident and appropriate action against those responsible. Further details are awaited.
