Children administered expired saline in Bolangir govt hospital

Bolangir: Some patients in the paediatric ward of the Bolangir District Headquarters hospital, on Wednesday, were administered saline that had crossed their expiry date - November 2017. However,  this was noticed by the attendants of three patients in the ward who spotted the expiry date  and informed the hospital authorities. The saline bottles were immediately withdrawn but hospital officials immediately locked the store room not to give access to anyone.

“It is very sad that expired saline is being administered to patients in the paediatric ward,” said Achyuta Nanda Swain, a patient’s relative.

Since saline is supplied to wards by the Central store of the hospital, questions are being raised about the quality of drugs given to patients.

“The higher-ups have been informed about the expired saline,” said Dr S Nayak, Doctor in-charge of the Paediatric department.

Meanwhile, Bolangir Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Sugyanendra Mishra stated only four saline bottles that had crossed expiry date were available in the store. “While three were administered to patients last night, one is still at the store,” said Mishra adding that no casualty has been reported due to the expired saline.