NEW DELHI: A nurse at a government hospital in Karnataka was suspended on Wednesday for using Fevikwik adhesive instead of proper medical stitches on a seven-year-old boy’s facial wound, following public outrage and an official investigation into the incident.
The decision came during a meeting chaired by the state government’s Chief Secretary after reviewing the preliminary report of the case.
The Commissioner’s Office of Health and Family Welfare Services stated: “Fevikwik is an adhesive solution not permitted for medical use under regulations. In this case, the staff nurse responsible for dereliction of duty by using Fevikwik for the child’s treatment has been suspended following a preliminary report and pending further investigation as per rules.”
The incident occurred on January 14 at the Adoor Primary Health Centre in Hanagal taluk, Haveri district. Gurukishan Annappa Hosamani was brought to the center with a deep wound on his cheek that was bleeding heavily.
The parents recorded a video of the nurse, Jyoti, dismissing their concerns by claiming she had been using this method for years and that it was better than stitches which would leave permanent scarring on the child’s face.
The parents filed an official complaint and submitted the video evidence of the incident.
Initially, instead of suspension, authorities transferred Jyoti to the Gutthal Health Institute in Haveri taluk on February 3, which led to increased public anger.
The health authorities have confirmed that the child is currently in good health and have issued directions to monitor for any potential adverse effects from the treatment.