A tragic incident occurred at Patna’s PMCH (Patna Medical College and Hospital) when a 3-year-old girl passed away during a surgery. The hospital administration has now formed a four-member inquiry team to investigate the incident. The child’s family has accused the medical team of administering an excessive dose of anesthesia during the operation, which they believe led to her death.
PMCH Administration Forms Inquiry Team for Investigation
The death occurred during an operation on December 2, 2025, in the orthopedic department of PMCH. After the family’s complaint, the hospital administration took immediate action and formed a four-member team to investigate the matter. The team consists of senior doctors from various departments, including orthopedics and pediatrics. Dr. I.S. Thakur, the superintendent of PMCH, confirmed on Monday that the team would submit its report within two weeks, which will then be forwarded to the department for further analysis.
Allegations of Anesthesia Overdose Leading to Child’s Death
The family of the deceased child has raised serious concerns about the medical negligence during the surgery. According to their statements on social media, the child’s death was caused by a possible overdose of anesthesia administered during the surgery on December 2. They claim that the excessive dosage of anesthesia was the reason the child did not wake up after the procedure and ultimately succumbed to complications. The family has accused the doctors at PMCH of being negligent during the operation, leading to the tragic death of their daughter.
Details of the Incident and the Child’s Background
The 3-year-old girl, identified as Avantika Rai, was from the Gopalganj district. She had fallen while playing two weeks earlier, resulting in fractures to both of her legs. In search of better treatment, her family brought her to Patna and admitted her to the orthopedic department at PMCH under the supervision of Dr. Mahesh Prasad, a senior doctor in the department. The child’s surgery was scheduled for December 2, 2025, to treat the fractures.
Reports suggest that Avantika was administered anesthesia before the surgery to ensure she remained unconscious throughout the procedure. However, after the operation, she did not regain consciousness. The medical team observed that her heart stopped, and she was placed on a ventilator to support her breathing. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, Avantika passed away on December 6, 2025.
Family’s Allegations of Medical Negligence
The family of Avantika has strongly criticized the hospital for what they believe was a fatal mistake. They claim that the child was given a double dose of anesthesia, which her body could not tolerate. As a result, her condition deteriorated, leading to her eventual death. The family has expressed deep grief and frustration, demanding justice for their daughter. They allege that this was a clear case of medical negligence and that the doctors should be held accountable for their actions during the surgery.
Hospital’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the family’s accusations, the hospital administration has stated that they will await the inquiry team’s report to determine the exact cause of the child’s death. The investigation will look into all aspects of the surgery, including the dosage of anesthesia administered, the monitoring of the child during the operation, and any other factors that may have contributed to the tragic incident. Hospital officials have assured that they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to a thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
The investigation will also examine the handling of the surgery from start to finish. It will determine whether the protocols for anesthesia administration were followed properly and if any medical errors were made during the procedure. The inquiry team will also seek to verify the family’s allegations regarding the administration of the anesthesia and assess the medical records to check for any discrepancies.
Community Reactions and Demand for Accountability
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media and within the local community. Many people have expressed shock and sympathy for the grieving family. The public has also raised concerns about the quality of medical care provided at government hospitals like PMCH, where the resources and expertise may sometimes be stretched. This case has fueled the demand for better standards of care and increased accountability for medical professionals in the region.
Several medical professionals have also commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of following strict protocols, especially in pediatric surgeries, where children are particularly vulnerable to complications. They have called for a comprehensive review of the hospital’s practices to ensure such incidents do not happen again in the future.
Next Steps and Awaiting the Inquiry Report
As the investigation continues, the PMCH hospital administration has urged both the family and the public to remain patient until the official inquiry report is submitted. Once the report is ready, it will provide clarity on the cause of Avantika’s death and any potential errors that may have occurred during the surgery.
For now, the family remains devastated by the loss of their young daughter, and they continue to seek answers. The inquiry’s outcome will determine the next steps and whether any medical professionals will be held accountable for their actions. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring patient safety, particularly when it comes to anesthesia administration and pediatric care in hospitals.
The death of Avantika Rai at PMCH has raised significant concerns about medical practices in government hospitals, particularly in the administration of anesthesia and the overall safety of patients during surgery. As the investigation progresses, the family hopes for justice and accountability for their daughter’s untimely death. This case highlights the need for continuous reforms in the healthcare system to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future. The outcome of the inquiry will be crucial in determining whether the allegations of medical negligence hold true and what measures will be taken to improve patient care at PMCH and similar hospitals.
