Alert 13-Year-Old Prevents Wrong Blood Transfusion at Jodhpur Hospital; Inquiry Ordered

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in Cottage Ward-6, where a female patient was originally meant to receive the B-positive blood. The hospital later confirmed that due to a mix-up, the same blood packet was mistakenly attached to the young athlete’s IV line. The quick-thinking patient immediately alerted the medical staff, who promptly removed the drip and ensured no adverse effects.

Hospital Superintendent Dr. Fateh Singh Bhati confirmed the incident and said, “The patient’s condition is stable. A four-member inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the lapse, determine accountability, and assess whether hospital protocols were followed.” The committee is expected to submit its findings within 24 hours.

The child, a resident of Jodhpur, had undergone knee ligament surgery in Jaipur a month ago. Following post-operative infection, he was admitted to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital on October 28 and underwent a follow-up procedure on October 31.

This case follows a similar mishap reported at AIIMS Jodhpur on October 10, where a patient received the wrong blood type, resulting in severe complications and subsequent death. These repeated incidents have raised concerns about transfusion safety and adherence to medical protocols in the city’s hospitals.

Dr. Bhati emphasized that while medical procedures are guided by strict protocols, human error due to fatigue or oversight can occur. “We are committed to ensuring accountability and strengthening safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

The hospital’s prompt action and the child’s alertness prevented what could have been a serious medical emergency, highlighting both the risks in transfusion practices and the importance of vigilance in healthcare settings.