Doctor Suspended for Injecting Wrong Eye at Kerala Hospital
Summary: A senior doctor at the Government Eye Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram has been suspended after allegedly injecting the wrong eye of a patient being treated for vision issues. The incident, which involved a costly injection, has sparked concerns over medical negligence and triggered an official probe.
Shocking Error at Kerala Eye Hospital: Patient Gets Injection in Wrong Eye
In an alarming case of medical negligence in Kerala, a senior ophthalmologist at the Government Eye Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, has been suspended for administering an injection to the wrong eye of a patient. The incident has raised serious questions about patient safety in government-run healthcare facilities.
The Director of Medical Education (DME) confirmed the suspension of the Assistant Professor amid an ongoing investigation.
Patient’s Left Eye Needed Treatment, But Right Eye Was Injected
Assor Beevi, a resident of Beemapally, was undergoing treatment for vision issues caused by high blood pressure.
- She was supposed to receive an injection in her left eye to treat a swollen vein, but shockingly, the injection was given to her right eye instead.
₹16,000 Injection Administered to Wrong Eye
According to her son, Majeed, Beevi had been visiting the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology within the government hospital for over a month. The doctor had advised Majeed to buy the injection from a private source as it wasn’t available at nearby medical stores. The family ended up spending ₹16,000 for the injection.
“The error was deeply shocking,” said Majeed, after realizing the costly medicine was given to the wrong eye.
What Went Wrong in the OT?
The mix-up reportedly happened inside the operation theatre. Though Beevi’s left eye was prepped and cleaned, the injection was accidentally administered to the right eye. Family members discovered the mistake only after she was wheeled back into the ward.
When questioned, the doctor justified the move by saying Beevi’s right eye “looked red” and seemed to need treatment, a claim dismissed by hospital authorities.
"Clearly a Mistake,” says Head of Ophthalmology
Dr. Sheeba C.S., Head of the Ophthalmology Department, confirmed the mistake in a statement to Onmanorama:
“The injection was meant for the left eye’s vein swelling. The doctor claimed he injected the right eye because it appeared red. There may be no serious side effects, but it was clearly a mistake. I sent a detailed report to the Principal and DME,” she added.
Medical Negligence or Misjudgment?
While initial reports suggest the patient may not suffer long-term harm, the misjudgment has triggered a formal inquiry, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols in operating rooms.
The suspension of the ophthalmologist underscores the seriousness with which the government is treating such lapses, especially when expensive medication and patient trust are at stake.
Conclusion
This shocking error at a government eye hospital in Kerala raises a red flag for medical accountability. Although the patient is stable, the incident has spotlighted gaps in procedure and communication. Authorities are taking action, but the question remains: how can such costly mistakes be avoided in the future?
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.
