Pharmacist suspended for administering expired injection to patient
The suspension was ordered by the chief district medical officer (CDMO).
The patient, a 20-year-old woman from Chandiapalli village, is, however, fine and she was discharged on Wednesday.
The incident took place on June 24 when the patient, admitted for various ailments, was reportedly given an expired injection by pharmacist Bhaktakanta Biswal. The patient's brother, Chandan Parida, noticed the error and promptly lodged a written complaint with the CHC's medical officer.
In response to the complaint, Dr Niranjan Kar, the medical officer at CHC Mahakalapada, issued a show-cause notice to Biswal, questioning his action. In his reply, Biswal admitted to the mistake, acknowledging that he had indeed administered an expired injection.
Following an inquiry by Dr Kar, the CDMO, Dr Manoranjan Rout, suspended Biswal with immediate effect. The suspension is intended to ensure a fair investigation and maintain public trust in the healthcare system.
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During the suspension period, Biswal will receive a salary as per Rule 90 of the Odisha Service Code.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with local social worker Amarbar Biswal condemning the pharmacist's actions as 'utter callousness and criminal negligence'. He urged authorities to take stern action to prevent such incidents in the future.
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