A tragic case of medical negligence has emerged at Kakinada Government General Hospital (GGH), where a 34-year-old kidney patient, Bhavana Sirisha, lost her life after being transfused with the wrong blood type.
Kidney Patient Given Wrong Blood Type
Bhavana Sirisha, a resident of Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district, had been battling kidney disease for four years. Admitted to the hospital on November 4 for advanced treatment, she was advised a blood transfusion to address her critically low haemoglobin levels. The required blood type was ‘O positive’.
On the evening of November 26, a house surgeon in the Advanced Medical Care Unit mistakenly began transfusing ‘AB positive’ blood instead. Sirisha’s relatives immediately raised concerns but were reportedly dismissed by the on-duty doctor.
Delay in Corrective Action
The error was discovered only after a postgraduate doctor intervened and halted the transfusion. Although the incorrect blood type was removed, the damage had already been done. Sirisha’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and despite efforts to stabilize her oxygen levels, she passed away on the morning of November 27.
Hospital Responds to Negligence Allegations
Hospital superintendent Dr. Lavanya Kumari expressed condolences to Sirisha’s grieving family and assured a thorough investigation. The incident has also been reported to the state health minister for further action.
Family Demands Accountability
Sirisha’s family was given a compensation of Rs 3 lakh by the government but demanded justice for the fatal error. Her mother, Devadatla Peddintla, called for stricter accountability, questioning how such a serious mistake could occur.
This incident has raised concerns over patient safety and medical protocols at Kakinada GGH, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
