Family Alleges Wrong Medication Was Administered Into Child’s Eyes; Three-Member Inquiry Committee Formed
A 19-month-old child has allegedly suffered permanent loss of vision following treatment at a government hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, triggering a high-level inquiry by the state health department. The incident, which has raised serious concerns over alleged medical negligence, occurred at Banda Civil Hospital, where the child was initially taken for treatment of cold, cough, and redness in the eyes.
According to reports, the child, a resident of Bhusa Kamalpur village, was brought to the hospital on May 29, 2026, after developing mild symptoms, including cough, cold, and redness in both eyes. The family claims that the child’s condition was not critical when they sought medical attention.
The child’s father stated that after obtaining an OPD slip, they consulted the on-duty paediatrician, who examined the child and prescribed medicines, including eye drops, paracetamol syrup, an injection, and other medications.
Family Alleges Medicine Meant for Phlegm Was Administered Into Child’s Eyes
The family has alleged that a serious medical error occurred during treatment, claiming that a medicine intended to clear phlegm was mistakenly administered into the child’s eyes. They alleged that the child’s condition deteriorated rapidly soon after the medication was given.
According to the family, they remained at the hospital for several hours expecting the child’s condition to improve. However, as his health worsened, doctors referred him to the district hospital in Sagar, where he was advised to seek advanced medical care. The child was subsequently shifted to AIIMS Bhopal for specialised treatment.
AIIMS Allegedly Confirms Permanent Vision Loss
The family has alleged that doctors at AIIMS Bhopal informed them that the child had suffered permanent loss of eyesight, reportedly due to incorrect medication or medical negligence during the initial treatment.
“My son’s life has been destroyed. He was taken to the hospital for cough, cold and redness in the eyes. Now he will never be able to see,” the child’s father alleged in his complaint filed at the Banda Police Station.
The family has demanded strict action against the doctor and hospital staff involved, while also seeking an impartial investigation into the incident.
Health Department Constitutes Three-Member Inquiry Committee
Following public outrage over the incident, the Sagar Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Ganga Prasad Arya stated that the committee has been directed to submit its findings within one week. According to the CMHO, the inquiry will examine the treatment prescribed, the medication actually administered, and whether any medical negligence occurred during the child’s treatment.
He further stated that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty after the investigation.
Police Launch Parallel Investigation
Apart from the departmental inquiry, the Banda Police have also initiated a parallel investigation into the allegations. Authorities are expected to examine medical records, statements of hospital staff, and other evidence as part of the probe.
Incident Adds to Concerns Over Healthcare Services in Sagar
The latest incident has intensified concerns regarding healthcare services in Sagar district. It comes just days after another alleged case of medical negligence surfaced at Bundelkhand Medical College, where a patient reportedly died during treatment after a preliminary inquiry allegedly found that a high-risk anaesthesia injection had been administered before surgery, leading to a rapid deterioration in the patient’s condition.
The findings of the ongoing inquiry into the Banda Civil Hospital case are now awaited to determine whether medical negligence was involved and whether disciplinary or legal action will follow.
