Minor dies after alleged steroid injection; Telangana Medical Council launches probe

Doctors allegedly instructed hospital staff over the phone without examining the boy.

Published Feb 12, 2025 | 9:39 AMUpdated Feb 12, 2025 | 9:39 AM

Steroid medicine

Synopsis: In recent months, the state medical council has been conducting raids and clamping down on quacks practicing medicine without the necessary qualifications; state needs to take preemptive action to prevent deaths from poor implementation of the law

The Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) has launched an investigation into the death of a student of Class 9, Dasaroju Siddharth, reportedly only a short while after receiving a steroid injection at Balaji Nursing Home in Thorrur, Mahabubabad district.

The incident raised alarms over medical malpractice. The boy was administered hydrocortisone — a steroid — that allegedly caused fatal complications.

According to the notice issued by TGMC, the 14-year-old, suffering from fever and cold, was brought by his mother, Dasaroju Nagamani, from Kantaipalem, Mahabubabad, to the nursing home.

After a brief examination, doctors advised diagnostic tests and administered an injection.

Family members claimed the child collapsed “within seconds” of the shot, though TGMC officials later stated he succumbed to dehydration two days post-treatment.

“The doctors at the nursing home allegedly instructed staff over the phone to administer the injection without checking the condition of the patient,” TGMC Public Relations Committee chairman Dr Naresh Kumar told South First.

Council swings into action

The council acted swiftly, directing the nursing home’s medical superintendent, Dr P Vikas (general physician), and consultant Dr Balne Poornima to submit detailed explanations, including medical records, hospital registration certificates, and professional credentials, within seven days.

They have also been summoned before the TGMC ethics committee, and instructed to appear in person.

Failure to comply could result in legal action under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act.

“We have asked the authorities to be present before the commission in Hyderabad with all the information related to the case,” said Dr Naresh Kumar.

Steroid used reduces inflammation but could cause dehydration

Dr Naresh Kumar said that hydrocortisone, a steroid often used to reduce inflammation, is suspected in this case to have caused severe dehydration.

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Intensified scrutiny of clinics

The case has intensified scrutiny of clinics allegedly operated by unqualified personnel who hire registered doctors to legitimise unethical practices.

“These facilities often push unnecessary tests, illegal abortions, and even gender determination services,” Kumar said, citing collusion between medical professionals and unauthorised management.

In a letter addressed to the hospital’s administration, the TGMC registrar emphasised the urgency of the matter, directing them to provide a sworn affidavit explaining the reasons behind the child’s sudden demise post-injection.

The council has warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will lead to the case being escalated to the Ethics Committee for necessary legal action.

Meanwhile, the council expressed concern over the growing number of unqualified practitioners running medical facilities by employing registered doctors and paying them a salary.

In November 2024, TGMC conducted raids that exposed medical establishments run by persons without the necessary qualifications. Shops were found selling drugs without the prescriptions mandatory under the law.  In January 2025 alone, the TGMC filed cases against 10 people for practicing medicine without an MBBS degree.

Also Read: Odd prescriptions make other doctors suspicious, fake doctor lands in jail

(Edited by Rosamma Thomas)

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