Probe blames junior staff, senior officials escape accountability
Jaipur: An investigating committee has confirmed that a 23-year-old pregnant woman died at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur after being transfused with the wrong blood type. The findings have placed responsibility on five junior staff members, while senior officials supervising the process have been effectively cleared of blame.
Patient’s Critical Condition
According to reports, the woman was admitted to SMS Hospital on May 12 in a critical state, suffering from extremely low haemoglobin levels, miliary tuberculosis and multiple other health complications. Given her condition, doctors decided to administer a blood transfusion.
Blood Group Mismatch Revealed
Medical tests conducted on May 19 reportedly showed the woman’s blood group as A+, following which she was transfused on May 20. However, a subsequent test allegedly revealed her actual blood group to be B+, raising serious concerns of a transfusion mismatch.
Severe Reaction and Death
After the transfusion, the woman reportedly developed severe complications, including haematuria, rapid heartbeat, fever and chills. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she died on May 22, two days after the transfusion.
Family Alleges Lack of Transparency
The victim’s family has alleged that hospital authorities failed to inform them about the suspected transfusion error. They claim they were kept in the dark even as her condition worsened, adding to their grief and anger.
Pattern of Repeated Incidents
This is not the first such case at SMS Hospital. In February 2024, a 23-year-old road accident victim from Bandikui town reportedly died after receiving the wrong blood group, which led to kidney complications. Families of patients have repeatedly flagged concerns over similar lapses at the hospital.
No Action Against Senior Officials
Despite at least three such incidents being reported at the state-run hospital over the past two years, no senior official has been held accountable so far. Reports suggest that accountability has largely been limited to junior staff, drawing criticism from patients’ families and civil society groups.
Renewed Calls for Independent Probe
The latest incident has once again sparked demands for an independent inquiry and stricter safeguards in blood transfusion protocols. Many have called for systemic reforms to prevent further tragedies at one of Rajasthan’s premier government hospitals.
