Hospital Staff Under Probe for Shocking Medical Negligence in Bhokardan Rural Hospital
Jalna (Maharashtra) – In a shocking case of medical negligence, a pregnant woman suffered burn injuries after she was allegedly administered hydrochloric acid instead of medical jelly during childbirth at a government rural hospital in Bhokardan, Jalna district. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has sparked public outrage and prompted the health authorities to launch a high-level probe.
The victim, Sheela Bhalerao, a resident of Khaparkheda village, arrived at the hospital for delivery when a nurse mistakenly applied hydrochloric acid to her abdomen—believing it to be medical gel used during the birthing procedure. Despite the chemical burn, Sheela gave birth to a healthy baby, officials confirmed.
“This is a serious case of negligence. A detailed investigation has been initiated, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty,” said District Civil Surgeon Dr R S Patil.
Sanitation Error Blamed for Acid Mix-up
According to hospital sources, the acid used for cleaning was mistakenly placed on the medicine tray by a sanitation worker. This mix-up went unnoticed by the nurse who proceeded with the delivery.
A police official stated that the burn injuries were significant, and a formal complaint is being registered. Meanwhile, the hospital has reportedly shifted the nurse and sanitation staff involved in the incident pending inquiry results.
Recurring Lapses in Maternal Care Raise Concern
This incident comes on the heels of another medical negligence case reported in Siruvalur, Tamil Nadu, where a doctor at a Primary Health Centre allegedly told a pregnant woman that she was not pregnant, attributing her symptoms to bloating. The woman later discovered—via private hospital scan—that she was four months pregnant.
These back-to-back cases have once again raised alarming questions about maternal healthcare standards in public health institutions, especially in rural areas.
Calls for Accountability
The Jalna administration has assured swift action. Medical experts and public health advocates are calling for better training, stricter protocols, and improved supervision of staff handling sensitive maternal care cases.
“Incidents like these erode public trust in the healthcare system. The government must ensure such mistakes are never repeated,” said a senior health official familiar with the case.
A formal fact-finding committee is expected to submit its report within the next few days. Legal and departmental action will follow based on the committee’s findings.
