Kanpur: In a startling documentation error, three staff members of Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur, including a junior resident doctor and a nurse, have been suspended after a living patient was erroneously declared dead on paper, prompting the initiation of post-mortem formalities. The incident came to light on Saturday evening when police personnel arrived at the hospital to shift the body to the mortuary, only to find the patient alive, according to Sanjay Kala, principal of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Medical College, under which the hospital operates.

Incident Details

The mishap occurred in Medicine Ward Number 12, where two destitute patients were admitted on adjacent beds. Vinod, a patient on bed number 42, was mistakenly declared dead, while an unidentified elderly man in bed number 43 had actually passed away during treatment. The junior doctor allegedly filled out Vinod’s medical file instead of the deceased patient’s, sending a false death notification to the Swaroop Nagar police station for post-mortem procedures.

When police arrived to shift the body to the mortuary, they were stunned to find Vinod alive. The revelation triggered panic in the hospital, prompting senior officials, including Superintendent-in-Charge Rakesh Singh and Principal Kala, to rush to the ward. The junior doctor later admitted to the mistake and offered an apology.

Inquiry and Suspension

A three-member inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the incident. The committee, consisting of Vice-Principal Richa Agarwal, Chief Medical Superintendent Saurabh Agarwal, and Superintendent-in-Charge Rakesh Singh, has been directed to submit a fact-finding report within 48 hours. Strict action will be taken based on the findings.

Superintendent Singh confirmed that the lapse occurred due to incorrect documentation, stating, “The junior doctor mistakenly filled out the file of the wrong patient. The records were corrected and sent to the police again.”

Aftermath and Patient Status

Police contacted Vinod’s relatives using the phone number available in his medical records. Upon seeing him alive, the family left the hospital shortly thereafter. Vinod is currently undergoing treatment and is reported to be stable, although his relatives reportedly refused to stay with him or take him home, citing lack of arrangements, and later disappeared from the hospital.

The unidentified elderly man, who was admitted five days ago after being found unconscious, reportedly suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea. He died during treatment and his body was sent for post-mortem, according to Govind Nagar Station House Officer Rikesh Kumar Singh.

Hospital Response and Measures

The hospital authorities have stated that corrective measures have been taken, including updating patient records and reviewing internal documentation procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Senior officials emphasized that such lapses are unacceptable, particularly in a medical institution dealing with critical patients.

Public and Legal Implications

This incident has raised concerns about the accuracy of medical documentation and the potential risks associated with errors in hospitals handling large numbers of patients, including vulnerable and destitute individuals. Legal experts say that such mistakes could lead to serious liability issues and undermine public confidence in healthcare institutions.

The administration’s prompt suspension of the staff and initiation of an inquiry highlights the importance of accountability and oversight in medical facilities. Authorities are expected to implement stricter documentation protocols and enhanced training for hospital staff to ensure patient safety and prevent recurrence of similar incidents.

The Kanpur hospital error serves as a stark reminder that meticulous record-keeping and verification are critical in medical practice, where errors can have serious consequences for patients, their families, and institutional credibility.