Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 December 2024
A shocking case of medical negligence surfaced at G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram, where a 21-year-old pregnant woman was issued the wrong medication by the pharmacist at the Female Medicine Counter. The incident came to light on 12th December when Mr. Angshuman Roy, a social worker, brought the matter to public attention.
On 22nd November 2024, the woman obtained medicine prescribed by her doctor from the G.B. Pant Hospital Female Pharmacy Counter. She was prescribed Eltroxin, a medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Instead, she was given Etoricoxib Tablets 90 mg, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) typically used to treat arthritis-related pain and inflammation. Unaware of the error, the pregnant woman consumed the Etoricoxib tablets on an empty stomach over an extended period.
The mistake was discovered only when she visited the PHC Manglutan to replenish her supply. The pharmacy at PHC Manglutan issued her a different medication, prompting her to question the discrepancy. Upon inspection, the medical staff at PHC Manglutan found that the earlier medicine issued to her was incorrect and potentially harmful, advising her of the risks associated with its consumption during pregnancy.
Harmful Effects of Etoricoxib During Pregnancy:
Etoricoxib is known to carry significant risks for pregnant women. NSAIDs like Etoricoxib can cause complications such as delayed labor, premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, and developmental issues in the fetus. Prolonged consumption, especially on an empty stomach, can also harm the kidneys of both the mother and the baby, potentially leading to fetal renal dysfunction and oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid levels). Kidney damage in the mother could result in long-term health complications, including reduced kidney function and associated risks.
Importance of Eltroxin for Pregnant Women:
Eltroxin, on the other hand, is commonly prescribed to manage hypothyroidism—a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Adequate thyroid hormone levels are critical during pregnancy, as they play a vital role in the baby’s brain development and overall growth. Failure to address hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
A Case of Grave Negligence:
The negligence by the pharmacist at G.B. Pant Hospital in dispensing a completely unrelated and potentially harmful medicine underscores severe lapses in protocol. The error can now lead to catastrophic consequences for the woman and her baby. Mr. Angshuman Roy has demanded strict action against the pharmacist responsible for this grave mistake.
In a statement, Mr. Roy emphasized the need for accountability in public healthcare institutions, stating, “This level of negligence is unacceptable. Immediate measures must be taken to ensure no other patient suffers from such irresponsible actions.”
Note from Nicobar Times:
Nicobar Times has observed potential discrepancies in the strength denotation of the medicine prescribed by the doctor in this case. While the issue is under verification with healthcare experts, it does not justify the fatal mistake of issuing a completely unrelated and harmful medicine to the patient.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stringent checks and balances in public healthcare to prevent such grave errors in the future.