Incident Raises Serious Patient Care Concerns
Tiruchy: In an alleged case of medical negligence, a contractual nurse at Thanjavur Medical College Hospital has been dismissed after a video emerged showing her administering saline to patients while making them stand, instead of treating them at their bedside.
Allegations of Improper Treatment
According to reports, the nurse, appointed under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, allegedly called patients to her seat rather than attending to them in their beds. During intravenous fluid administration, patients were reportedly forced to remain standing, while in some instances, relatives were asked to hold dextrose fluid bottles as they moved around. Patients who objected were allegedly scolded and told to leave.
Incident Location and Past Complaints
The incident occurred in the oncology department of the hospital’s multispecialty block. Sources indicated that the nurse had earlier faced complaints regarding her indifferent attitude toward patients and a pattern of summoning them instead of providing bedside care.
Video Evidence and Disciplinary Action
A video clip capturing the nurse directing patients to come to her seat for IV administration was forwarded to the Dean and also circulated on social media. Following an internal inquiry, the Dean issued a termination order on January 6, confirming procedural lapses. Speaking to The Times of India, the Dean stated, “We have issued orders permanently relieving the contract nurse from her duties after confirming the lapses.”
Broader Concerns Over Government Hospital Care
The incident has reignited concerns over patient safety and staff accountability in government medical institutions. It comes amid similar reports, including a recent case in Ranipet where a multipurpose health worker allegedly stitched a patient’s wound, highlighting the need for stricter supervision and enforcement of medical protocols.
