Hyderabad Police Investigate Deaths Linked to Anaesthetic Injections
Incident Overview
A serious lapse in securing anaesthetic injections has led to significant consequences for a neurosurgeon in Hyderabad. Dr. S. Jaipal Reddy, the Chairman and Managing Director of ABS Hospital, along with two hospital staff members, has been booked by the Hyderabad Police in connection with the deaths of two men allegedly caused by anaesthetic drug injections.
Details of the Case
The police have charged five individuals, including Dr. Reddy, for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. This action follows the discovery of two deceased autorickshaw drivers in the Chandrayangutta area. The incident, which occurred on December 3, was revealed after police identified the circumstances surrounding the deaths and reported that the men had died after receiving an Atranium injection.
Investigation Findings
On Wednesday, K. Sreekanth, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police for the South East Zone, provided updates during a press conference. The investigation found that Dr. Reddy and his assistant, Mohammed Vikaruddin, failed to secure Atranium injections after a surgical procedure, allowing a ward boy, Choude Akash, to steal the unused injections. These injections were subsequently sold illegally, contributing to the fatalities of the two individuals.
Victims and Their Actions
The deceased, identified as Syed Irfan (27) and Jhangir Khan (25), were found in an autorickshaw. Investigations disclosed that they collapsed after receiving the 25 mg Atranium injection. The case was further clarified through the statement of Saif Bin Akram, a survivor who had also taken an injection.
On the night prior to their deaths, Irfan and Saif had contacted their friend, Jhangir Khan, in search of a Termin injection, which they regularly used for low blood pressure. Jhangir then sought assistance from a friend, Yamjala Kalyan, who connected him with Jarpati Shiva Shankar, another autorickshaw driver known for supplying such substances.
Purchase and Administration of the Drug
Shiva initially informed Jhangir that the Termin injection was unavailable but provided pictures of Atranium 25 mg injections instead. Jhangir purchased these injections and met the others to administer them. During this meeting, they injected Atranium, leading to immediate health issues for Saif and later, unconsciousness for Irfan and Jhangir.
Following Saif’s account, police arrested Kalyan, who had been purchasing the drugs. Kalyan had previously bought Atranium ampoules from Shiva for Rs 2,000.
Role of Hospital Staff
Akash, the ward boy at ABS Hospital, admitted to stealing the anaesthetic injections during a cleaning duty in the operation theatre. He had taken a pack of four Atranium ampoules and later sold them to Shiva.
Dr. Reddy had ordered 25 Atranium injections for a patient on November 25 and failed to secure the remaining injections after their use. This oversight allowed Akash to access and steal the drugs, which were misused and ultimately led to the deaths of the two men.
The hospital management was also criticized for not producing a proper bill for the Atranium injections, which contravened the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Conclusion
The case highlights significant lapses in both medical practices and drug security protocols within the hospital, raising concerns about patient safety and accountability among healthcare providers.