Pune: Nurses Suspended After Mismatch Blood Transfusions in Aundh District Hospital

Aundh, 28th March 2024: Two nurses from Aundh District Hospital have been suspended following an egregious error involving incorrect blood transfusions to patients in Sangvi. An initial inquiry revealed that the erroneous transfusions occurred while the nurses were distracted by mobile phone conversations. Acting promptly, the District Surgeon ordered the immediate suspension of Priti Thokal and Shanta Maklur, who were identified as the nurses involved.

The incident unfolded when Dattu Sonaji Sonwane and Dagdu Kamble, admitted to the hospital for pneumonia treatment, required urgent transfusions due to low haemoglobin levels. Dr. Kiran Khalate, the attending physician, instructed the nursing staff to administer blood to the patients. However, due to negligence, Dattu Sonawane received ‘B’ positive blood instead of ‘A’ positive, while Dagdu Kamble received ‘A’ positive blood instead of ‘B’ positive. It was alleged by relatives that this error occurred as the nurse responsible was engrossed in a mobile phone conversation during the transfusion process, resulting in both patients being admitted to the ICU due to severe complications.

Prompt action was taken by the Civil Surgeon, who convened an urgent meeting of hospital staff to address the grave matter. District Civil Surgeon Dr NS Yempalle spearheaded an inquiry into the incident, which revealed that the nurses’ distraction during transfusion led to the administration of incorrect blood bags to the patients. Consequently, the preliminary investigation found the nurses culpable.

Under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, both nurses were suspended effective immediately on March 26, 2024. They are restricted from leaving headquarters without prior authorization and engaging in private employment or business ventures. Dr. Yempalle warned that any violation of these directives would result in disqualification from receiving subsistence allowance due to misconduct.

Dr Yempalle, civil surgeon at Aundh District Hospital, condemned the incident as a result of healthcare negligence, emphasizing that the nurses’ actions endangered the lives of both patients. Thankfully, both patients have since recovered after being transferred to the intensive care unit.