Odisha Man Mistakenly Injected with Anti-Rabies Shot, Family Demands Action

Bhadrak: A concerning incident unfolded at Bhandaripokhari Community Health Centre in Bhadrak district when a patient was allegedly given a wrong injection by a nurse during treatment on Thursday.

The patient, identified as Bijay Biswal from Dakhinabada village visited the hospital and consulted a doctor seeking relief from severe ache in his legs and hands due to cold. However, the nurse on duty mistakenly administered an injection intended for dog bites.

Biswal’s family members, upon learning of the error, demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against the responsible nurse. The hospital’s Medical In-charge, Kamalakanta Swain, acknowledged the nurse’s mistake and assured a proper inquiry into the matter.

Swain downplayed the potential health risks associated with the wrong injection, stating that rabies vaccines are sometimes administered pre-emptively to prevent infection. He emphasized that the likelihood of any adverse effects on Biswal was minimal.

“The patient consulted for body pain, and the doctor prescribed appropriate medications and injections,” Swain explained. “Unfortunately, the nurse administered the wrong injection. However, the chances of side effects are very low. Rabies vaccines are given to people even before dog bites as a precaution, so there’s practically no risk of harm to the patient.”

Hospital In-Charge Kamalakanta Swain clarified that although the injection was incorrect, the risk of side effects is minimal as the rabies vaccine is often given preventively. He reassured that the patient’s condition is currently stable. Swain further stated that a show cause notice would be issued to the nurse, and a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted, with subsequent disciplinary action.