Kollam, 04 March (H.S.):The Kerala Health Department has launched an inquiry after an alleged medical error at the Sasthamkotta Taluk Hospital in Kollam, where a young patient who visited the hospital with breathing difficulties was reportedly administered a rabies vaccine by mistake.

Following the incident, the Deputy District Medical Officer (DMO) of Kollam visited the hospital and conducted a preliminary inspection to understand the circumstances that led to the error. As an immediate administrative measure, the nurse who administered the injection has been relieved of her duties pending further investigation.

According to hospital sources, the incident occurred two days ago in the outpatient (OP) section of the hospital. The 18-year-old girl had arrived at the hospital with her mother after experiencing severe breathing difficulties. A doctor who examined her had reportedly prescribed an injection to relieve the breathing problem and issued a written note directing the patient to receive the medication.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the nurse on duty allegedly administered the wrong injection. Instead of the prescribed medicine for breathing difficulty, the nurse is said to have mistakenly injected a rabies vaccine that had been kept ready for another patient who had come to the hospital after being bitten by a stray dog.

The error reportedly came to light shortly after the injection was administered. Realising the mistake, the nurse is said to have immediately informed the hospital authorities and apologised to the patient and her family.

Health officials confirmed that a preliminary inquiry has indicated a lapse on the part of the nursing staff, prompting the department to initiate a detailed investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining hospital records, duty rosters and prescription documents to determine how the mix-up occurred and whether proper medical protocols were followed.

Officials also said the patient is currently under medical observation, and doctors are closely monitoring her condition to ensure there are no adverse effects from the unintended vaccination.

The Health Department has assured that appropriate disciplinary and corrective measures will be taken once the investigation is completed. The incident has raised concerns about safety procedures in hospital outpatient departments and the need for stricter checks to prevent similar medical errors in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman