Boy dies in Bengaluru hospital, family members allege medical negligence

Bengaluru: Family members of eight-year-old Nandish were inconsolable on Friday after he succumbed to post diphtheritic palsy (PDP) at Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH). Nandish was referred to IGICH on August 8 from MS Ramaiah Medical College after being diagnosed of diphtheria. Nandish’s family members have alleged medical negligence, but IGICH doctors refuted it. “He was suffering from diphtheria, which is a preventable disease by routine immunization during childhood. He has not received the vaccine provided free of cost. He was treated for diphtheria adequately and discharged on Aug. 13 and advised he be administered DT vaccine a month later,” said Dr Asha Benakappa, Director, IGICH.

She said Nandish’s parents were apprised of danger signs and were advised to approach IGICH if they came across any such sign. “They were advised to return for a follow-up after a week,” she added. Nandish was brought back on Sept 4 with PDP, which occurs 4-5 weeks after initial infection. It does not have a specific treatment and has poor prognosis with high mortality and morbidity.