On November 27, a devastating medical mistake at Kakinada Government General Hospital (GGH) led to the premature loss of 34-year-old Bhavana Sirisha, a patient who had been struggling with kidney disease. The incident has sparked significant questions regarding the effectiveness of hospital safety measures and responsibility.
For the past four years, Bhavana Sirisha, hailing from Palakollu in West Godavari district, had been struggling with kidney disease. She was admitted to Kakinada Government General Hospital on November 4, 2024, for advanced treatment. During her stay, doctors recommended a blood transfusion to address her critically low hemoglobin levels, which was expected to be a routine but vital procedure.
The hospital’s blood bank provided 'O positive' blood, as prescribed. On the evening of November 26, 2024, a house surgeon in the Advanced Medical Care Unit unintentionally began administering 'AB positive' blood.
Relatives, who noticed the discrepancy, raised concerns with the surgeon but were reportedly dismissed.
The mistake came to light only after a postgraduate doctor intervened, halting the transfusion. By then, the wrong blood had already been administered. Efforts were made to remove the incompatible blood and stabilize Sirisha’s condition, but her health rapidly deteriorated. Tragically, she passed away early the next morning, on November 27, 2024.
Dr. Lavanya Kumari, the hospital superintendent, extended her sympathies to Sirisha’s mourning family and promised a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. She promised accountability and strict action against those responsible for the error.
Sirisha’s mother, Devadatla Peddintla, expressed her anguish, calling the mistake a devastating lapse that cost her daughter’s life. She demanded answers and justice, emphasizing the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents.
The incident was reported to the state health minister, and the family was provided government compensation of Rs. 3 lakh. However, the family insists that financial compensation cannot replace accountability or prevent future tragedies.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)