Patna: The death of a three-year-old girl during surgery at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) has sparked serious questions about the hospital’s operation theater facilities, anesthesia protocols, and alleged negligence by the medical staff. The family has vowed to move the High Court and also approach the Human Rights Commission seeking justice.
The child, identified as Avantika Rai from Katia village in Gopalganj, was admitted to PMCH after fracturing both legs in a fall from a tractor on November 27. After initial treatment in the emergency ward, she was scheduled for surgery in the Orthopedics Department on December 2.
According to the hospital’s EMR report, she was administered a caudal block (regional anesthesia), followed by TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia) and drugs including propofol, ketamine, and bupivacaine. The family alleges that the child was given “excess anesthesia,” leading to her collapse. Her condition reportedly deteriorated within 30–45 minutes, and though CPR and ventilation were initiated, she was declared dead at 11:45 am on December 6.
Her death has triggered a wave of allegations from the family, ranging from outdated equipment to the absence of senior specialists in the OT at a critical time.
Equipment Failure and Staff Negligence Alleged
A senior PMCH doctor, requesting anonymity, acknowledged that OT-5 — where the surgery took place — has only one modern anesthesia machine. Manual control is often required, which becomes more risky in pediatric surgeries. Complaints regarding outdated equipment have reportedly been raised earlier as well.
The family also claims that junior doctors were handling the procedure without adequate supervision from senior surgeons. They alleged that timely intervention could have saved Avantika.
However, the unit in-charge, Professor Dr. Mahesh Prasad, denied that such a surgery occurred under his supervision. Head of the Orthopedics Department, Dr. Rakesh Chaudhary, described the incident as tragic but maintained that all medical steps were taken in the best interest of the patient. He said senior doctors are present inside the OT complex, though they may be attending multiple cases at once.
Investigation Launched
Hospital Superintendent Dr. I.S. Thakur said a four-member committee comprising senior doctors from orthopedics, pediatrics, anesthesia, and surgery has been set up to investigate the matter. The panel has been directed to submit its report within 15 days, after which the Health Department will decide on further action.
“This is a sensitive case. The inquiry committee has been instructed to thoroughly examine the anesthesia procedure, equipment, and the entire operation system,” Dr. Thakur said, adding that the family has been assured of a fair and transparent probe.
Family Plans Legal Action
Avantika’s maternal grandfather, senior High Court advocate Ram Sandesh Rai, said the girl was healthy before surgery and alleged that negligence cost her life. “We will approach the High Court and Human Rights Commission. Those responsible must be punished,” he said.
The grieving father, Shailesh Rai, expressed anguish: “Avantika was born after years of prayers. Our happiness has been snatched away.”
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns about safety and infrastructure in one of Bihar’s largest government hospitals. The spotlight will remain on PMCH as the inquiry progresses and the cause of the toddler’s death is officially determined.
