A three-year-old child died at AIIMS Bhopal after he was allegedly administered formalin instead of medicine through an injection, prompting police action against two nursing officers and raising serious questions over hospital protocols.
The incident came to light after an internal inquiry by the hospital reportedly found evidence of negligence. Following the findings, police registered a case against two nursing officers, while the hospital administration suspended them pending further investigation.
Child dies after alleged formalin injection
The deceased, Sarthak Yadav, a resident of Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, was suffering from leukemia (blood cancer). He was admitted to the paediatric department of AIIMS Bhopal on December 15, 2025, after his health condition deteriorated.
According to the hospital's internal investigation, the child's IV line became blocked during treatment. At that time, a nurse allegedly used a syringe believing it contained medicine.
However, the syringe reportedly contained formalin, a toxic chemical commonly used in pathology departments for preserving tissue samples, biopsy specimens and dead bodies.
Shortly after the substance entered his body, the child became unconscious. He was immediately shifted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where doctors performed CPR and other emergency procedures. Despite efforts to revive him, he died during treatment.
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Lapses in handling of chemical found
The internal probe reportedly found that the formalin-filled syringe had been brought for a biopsy-related procedure. After that procedure was postponed, the syringe was neither safely stored nor disposed of as required.
Instead, it was allegedly left near the patient's bed, leading to the fatal mix-up.
Based on the inquiry findings, Bhopal's Bagsewaniya Police Station registered a case against the two nursing officers under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said efforts are underway to locate the accused, and further investigation is continuing. Hospital authorities have also initiated departmental proceedings against the nursing staff involved.
The case has sparked concern over safety protocols and the handling of hazardous chemicals inside hospital premises.
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FAQs:
1.How did the child allegedly receive formalin at AIIMS Bhopal?
A formalin-filled syringe was allegedly mistaken for medicine and administered through the child's IV line.
2.What action has been taken after the incident?
Police have registered a case against two nursing officers, and the hospital has suspended them pending investigation.
