Expired Glucose Administered to Patients at GMC Anantnag, Allege Attendants | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Panic and outrage gripped attendants at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag on Wednesday after allegations surfaced that expired glucose was administered to a few patients, triggering adverse reactions and raising serious questions about patient safety in the hospital.

Attendants said that the incident came to light after some patients developed unusual reactions soon after being put on intravenous glucose. “We later checked and found that the glucose bottles had expired nearly a year ago. This is sheer negligence and could have cost lives,” an attendant said, demanding strict action against those responsible.

Family members of the affected patients alleged that such a lapse points to systemic failure in monitoring medical supplies. “Not just the nurse, but the entire supply chain must be investigated. How did expired stock reach the ward? Who cleared it?” another attendant questioned, urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive probe into procurement and storage practices.

The attendants have called for immediate suspension of the staff involved and blacklisting of the supplier if found guilty of providing expired medical stock.

They also demanded regular audits of medicines and consumables in government hospitals to prevent such incidents in the future.

An official at the GMC Anantnag acknowledged the incident and termed it a case of “negligence.” He said that preliminary findings indicate that the on-duty nurse failed to check the expiry date before administering the glucose.

“It is a clear case of negligence on part of the on-duty nurse, and appropriate action will be taken,” he said.

The official assured that all affected patients are stable and under observation. “There is no cause for panic as all patients are fine. Still, we are closely monitoring their condition,” he added.

The officer further stated that a detailed inquiry has been initiated and accountability will be fixed at all levels if more lapses are found. “If any other official is found involved, strict action will follow,” he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that administering expired dextrose (DNS/glucose) to a patient can result in severe health consequences and even death in some cases due to reduced drug efficacy, contamination, or chemical degradation.

Expired fluids may not provide necessary metabolic support, and risks include infection, allergic reactions, and organ damage. (KNO)