A concerning case of medical negligence has emerged from G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where a 21-year-old pregnant woman was mistakenly given the wrong medication by a pharmacist at the Female Medicine Counter. The issue came to public attention on December 12th when social worker Mr. Angshuman Roy raised the matter, calling for accountability and action.
The incident dates back to November 22nd, 2024, when the woman visited the G.B. Pant Hospital pharmacy to collect a doctor-prescribed medicine. She had been prescribed Eltroxin, a medication crucial for managing hypothyroidism during pregnancy. However, due to a grave error, she was dispensed Etoricoxib 90 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) typically used for arthritis-related pain and inflammation.
Unaware of the mix-up, the woman consumed the Etoricoxib tablets for an extended period, often on an empty stomach. The mistake came to light only when she visited the PHC Manglutan to refill her supply. Upon issuing a different medication, the PHC pharmacy staff identified the discrepancy and immediately alerted the woman to the potential risks of consuming the wrong drug during pregnancy.
NSAIDs like Etoricoxib are considered dangerous during pregnancy due to their serious side effects. Prolonged use can lead to:
Delayed labor and premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, a vital vessel in fetal development.
Developmental issues in the unborn baby.
Fetal renal dysfunction, leading to oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels), which poses risks to the baby’s survival.
Kidney damage in the mother, which may cause lasting health complications, including reduced kidney function.
The effects of Etoricoxib are particularly harmful when taken on an empty stomach, as it can exacerbate these risks.
Eltroxin, on the other hand, is essential for pregnant women with hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate hormones. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in:
The baby’s brain development and growth.
Preventing complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
Failure to manage hypothyroidism during pregnancy can result in lasting harm to both the mother and child.
Describing the situation as a “serious lapse in protocol,” Mr. Angshuman Roy condemned the negligence and urged immediate corrective measures. “This level of irresponsibility in a healthcare institution is unacceptable. Strict accountability is required to ensure no patient has to suffer due to such errors,” he stated.
The incident underscores the critical need for rigorous checks and balances in public healthcare systems. Pharmacists and medical professionals must adhere to protocols to prevent life-threatening mistakes, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)