The serious illness of around 40 patients after taking an antibiotic injection reportedly meant for cattle at the Kandhamal District Headquarters Hospital, Phulbani, has drawn the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which has sought an action-taken report (ATR) from the Health and Family Welfare Secretary within four weeks.
According to complainant rights activist Sangita Swain, nearly 40 patients had suffered serious reactions to an antibiotic shot at the district headquarters hospital at Phulbani in Kandhamal district on September 15 “The patients admitted to Phulbani hospital were undergoing treatment for fever, typhoid, malaria and other seasonal infections.
The adverse effect started soon after they were injected with Edicef-SB, an antibiotic commonly used for bacterial diseases and during post-operation period,” the petitioner said. While some patients complained of head-reeling and vomiting, others ran high fever, added the petitioner.
“The accident took place due to the negligence of the concerned doctors and officials. The authorities is experimenting such injection for the first time in the district in a risky manner violating human rights of the patients,” alleged the petitioner.
She urged the commission to take criminal/disciplinary action against the officials responsible and compensation of `20 lakh to the victims.