In a recent shocking case of medical negligence from Madhya Pradesh’s Panna district, an 11-year-old boy was allegedly administered an expired RL (Ringer Lactate) IV bottle, leading to a deterioration in his health.
Family Alleges Medical Negligence
According to reports, the child had been admitted to the district hospital in Panna, where staff administered an RL solution as part of his treatment. RL is a fluid directly injected into the veins to quickly rehydrate the body and restore electrolytes.
Soon after the IV was administered, the child’s family noticed a decline in his condition. Alarmed, they alerted the nurse. Upon checking, they discovered that the bottle had expired in March 2025.
The staff immediately replaced it—but to the family’s shock, the replacement bottle had also expired, this time in June 2025.
What began as panic turned into outrage. The family alleged gross negligence, claiming that no doctor had examined the child even after the incident.
As per India Today, the family said, “Serious negligence has been committed towards the child’s health. No doctor has come to see him yet.”
The matter was soon reported to the authorities and reached the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Panna, Dr. Rajesh Tiwari.
Responding to the incident, Dr. Tiwari acknowledged lapses on the hospital’s part.
This is a serious case of negligence. An investigation will be conducted, and the responsible staff will be punished.Dr. Rajesh Tiwari, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Panna
Authorities have assured strict action following a detailed inquiry.
Similar Incidents Reported in Other States
This is not an isolated case. Just two weeks ago, a similar incident was reported at ESI Hospital in Lucknow, where expired injections were allegedly administered to patients.
According to reports, four individuals under treatment developed sudden health complications after being administered the injections. The incident came to light when their families noticed unusual signs of discomfort and unease in the patients. Concerned, they checked the vials and found that the injection—identified as Ciflox—had expired in November 2024.
Relatives claimed that when they informed hospital authorities, they were told expired medicines “do not cause harm.” Unconvinced and increasingly anxious, they reported the matter to the police, triggering an official probe and sparking public outrage over safety standards in healthcare.
In another case, a woman in Kolkata—who had been fighting for her life for four months after allegedly being administered expired saline at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital—passed away last month.
Repeated Concerns Over Safety Protocols
Such repeated incidents of medical negligence and administration of expired medicines have raised serious public concern over safety protocols in Indian hospitals.
Despite existing regulatory checks, these lapses continue to occur, prompting uncomfortable questions about how reliable and safe the country’s public healthcare system really is.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)