Pune: Parents of children diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) at Kashibai Navale Hospital and Medical College (KNHMC) have accused the hospital of medical negligence, alleging that improper treatment has worsened their children’s conditions.
The hospital, run by the Sinhgad Technical Education Society (STES) in Narhe, has treated six pediatric GBS cases so far. While three children have been discharged and one has been moved to the general ward, two remain in the ICU, with one of them—an 8-year-old boy—facing hand amputation from the wrist due to severe infection.
Father Alleges Delayed Treatment Led to Amputation
Tanaji Bagade, the father of the boy, claims that his son’s condition deteriorated due to the negligence of hospital staff.
- The child initially experienced lower limb weakness but later became completely paralyzed.
- Doctors diagnosed him with GBS on January 17 and recommended intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, a standard treatment to mitigate the immune response.
- Soon after IVIG administration, his hand became swollen and infected. Despite informing doctors, the infection spread, and they recommended surgery.
- When the surgery failed, amputation was deemed necessary.
“For the past 10 days, we have been running from pillar to post, pleading with the doctors. Now, they are finally performing the surgery tomorrow. My son, who is already paralyzed, will now lose his hand. This is heartbreaking!” said a tearful Bagade.
The daily wage worker further revealed that while the government scheme covers his son’s treatment, he has borrowed ₹1.5 lakh to pay for medicines and injections.
Another Parent Alleges Medical Negligence
Devidas Kadam, whose 8-year-old daughter is also undergoing treatment for GBS at KNHMC, backed Bagade’s claims.
“There was clear negligence. My daughter had a bad reaction during plasma therapy, developing rashes and redness. When we questioned the doctors, they administered an injection—but only after the reaction had already occurred. That injection should have been given beforehand,” Kadam alleged.
He also raised concerns over Bagade’s son’s worsening condition, saying:
“My daughter is in the same ICU as his son. His hand infection should have been treated earlier. Now, due to medical negligence, he is losing his wrist.”
Doctors Deny Allegations, Call It a Medical Side Effect
Dr. Sanjay Natu, head of KNHMC’s pediatric ward, dismissed allegations of medical negligence, attributing the complications to known side effects of GBS treatment.
“There was no lapse from our side. This is a medical side effect of the treatment. We have also informed the family that they are free to transfer their child to another hospital if they are unsatisfied with our care.”
He explained that IVIG therapy can cause thromboembolic conditions, leading to blood clots that block circulation and cause tissue damage.
“Unfortunately, the boy developed a clot, which cut off blood supply to his hand, leading to tissue death. This is why amputation is necessary,” he added.
Local Leaders Demand Accountability
Narendra Hagawane, former sarpanch of Kirkedwadi, where the Bagade family resides, blamed doctors and hospital authorities for the tragic outcome.
“The hospital is trying to cover up their mistakes. If they had acted sooner, this child would not be losing his hand,” Hagawane said.
What’s Next?
- The amputation surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, despite desperate protests from the child’s family.
- Local activists and family members are demanding an independent investigation into the hospital’s handling of GBS cases.
- Authorities are yet to respond to the allegations of negligence raised by the families.
With medical negligence allegations piling up, the focus now shifts to whether an impartial inquiry will be conducted—and if the hospital will be held accountable for the irreversible damage suffered by the 8-year-old boy.
