Thiruvananthapuram: The Director of Health Services (DHS) has informed the Human Rights Commission that medical negligence happened in the treatment of a child who was brought with fever to the Women and Children’s Hospital, Thycaud, in Thiruvananthapuram, on July 30, 2024.

The report was submitted on Monday after the Commission’s chairperson, Justice Alexander Thomas, took suo motu cognisance of the incident based on media reports and ordered an inquiry. However, the case was closed after a paediatric specialist from the SAT Hospital, appearing before the Commission on behalf of the Director of Medical Education, stated that the child is currently healthy and has no medical complications.

The report said disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible. A staff nurse was suspended, a National Health Mission (NHM) staff nurse was terminated, and an explanation was sought from the nursing superintendent.

The incident happened when the 11-year-old child, Rijo, was brought to the casualty ward with fever and digestive complaints in 2024. A paediatrician had prescribed IV fluids and a pantoprazole injection. While the child briefly went to the restroom, another child was brought in with breathing difficulties. Adrenaline was drawn into a syringe for nebulisation for the second child, and the remaining portion was handed over to a junior public health nursing student for labelling.

When Rijo returned, the leftover adrenaline meant for nebulisation was mistakenly administered to him as an injection. His condition deteriorated, following which he was shifted to the SAT Hospital for further treatment.

The report by the Director of Medical Education was submitted as per the Commission’s direction to assess the child’s present condition and record the father’s statement.