Acid Used on Pregnant Woman During Delivery
In a deeply concerning incident, a pregnant woman in Maharashtra’s Jalna district suffered acid burns during childbirth after hydrochloric acid was mistakenly applied to her abdomen instead of medical jelly. The incident took place on Friday at the Government Rural Hospital in Bhokardan, prompting immediate administrative action and a full investigation.
What Went Wrong?
According to officials, the woman, identified as Sheela Bhalerao from Khaparkheda village, had come to the hospital for delivery. During the procedure, a nurse reportedly applied hydrochloric acid commonly used for cleaning hospital equipment thinking it was the sterile jelly normally used to assist in delivery.
Tragically, this grave error caused chemical burns on Bhalerao’s abdomen. Despite this, she successfully gave birth to a healthy baby.
How Did the Mix-Up Happen?
Hospital sources revealed that a sanitation worker had inadvertently placed the bottle of acid on the medicine tray, which likely led to the confusion. The bottle containing hydrochloric acid was not properly labeled or separated from clinical supplies, contributing to the mistake.
Medical Response and Current Status
Soon after the incident, the medical team provided immediate care to manage the burn injuries. Fortunately, the newborn was delivered safely and remains in good health. Bhalerao is currently under observation and receiving treatment for her injuries.
Authorities Respond
Reacting to the incident, District Civil Surgeon Dr. R. S. Patil said:
“This is a serious case of negligence. A thorough investigation is already in progress, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.”
He added that new safety protocols may be implemented to prevent such mishaps in the future.
Why This Matters
This case raises serious concerns about the safety and hygiene practices in rural healthcare settings. Although hospitals routinely use strong cleaning agents like hydrochloric acid, they must be stored and labeled correctly to avoid such dangerous mix-ups. The lapse has brought to light the urgent need for better training, clearer protocols, and stricter supervision in healthcare facilities, especially in high-risk departments like maternity care.
What Happens Next?
Authorities have launched a detailed inquiry to determine how the error occurred and who was responsible. Disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, may follow depending on the findings. Meanwhile, hospital staff have been instructed to review their standard operating procedures and take extra precautions when handling chemicals and medical supplies.
Conclusion
This alarming incident serves as a strong reminder of the importance of vigilance, proper labeling, and staff training in medical settings. While the mother and child are now safe, the systemic failure behind this error must be addressed to ensure such a mistake is never repeated.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
