A preliminary inquiry into the alleged loss of vision of a 19-month-old child following treatment at Banda Civil Hospital in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, has concluded that the infant was suffering from severe Vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition, which caused corneal ulcers and the subsequent deterioration of sight. The three-member committee, constituted by the Health Department, submitted its findings after a two-day inquiry.

What the Inquiry Found

The panel ruled out the family's allegation that normal saline nasal drops administered at the hospital caused the child's blindness. Acting Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Devesh Pateriya said the batch of nasal drops alleged to have been used was not traceable in the hospital's stock, and that doctors had confirmed normal saline nasal drops are incapable of causing vision loss.

'The child was malnourished and had developed corneal ulcers due to Vitamin A deficiency. The batch of nasal drops alleged to have been used was not available in the hospital's stock. Doctors have also clarified that normal saline nasal drops cannot cause loss of vision,' Pateriya said.

The committee noted that such drops could, at most, cause temporary irritation — not permanent blindness.

The Family's Complaint

The case came to light after the child's father, Indraj Vishwakarma, alleged that nasal drops were mistakenly dispensed in place of eye drops when he brought his son Vinay to Banda Civil Hospital on 29 May. The infant had been brought in with complaints of a cold and redness in the eyes.

According to the family, Vinay complained of severe burning immediately after the drops were administered and subsequently lost his vision. As his condition worsened, he was referred first to the district hospital in Sagar and later transferred to AIIMS Bhopal for specialised care.

Child's Current Condition and Treatment

Vinay is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhopal, where doctors have planned a corneal transplant. Pateriya confirmed that the government has committed to providing all possible assistance for the child's treatment.

The inquiry is ongoing, specifically to determine the circumstances under which the child allegedly received the nasal drops — a question the preliminary report has not yet resolved.

Negligence Probe and Police Action

Police have registered a complaint lodged by the family and are conducting a parallel investigation. Officials stated that appropriate action will be taken if negligence is established through the continuing probe. This comes amid broader concerns about the quality of paediatric care and nutritional monitoring at public health facilities in Madhya Pradesh, where child malnutrition rates have remained a persistent policy challenge.

Notably, Vitamin A deficiency — a preventable condition — is a leading cause of childhood blindness in India, with corneal ulceration being a known and severe complication in cases of acute deficiency among infants. The case raises questions about whether the child's nutritional status was identified and addressed at earlier points of contact with the health system.

What Happens Next

The three-member committee's final report is awaited, and both the Health Department and police investigations remain active. The outcome of the corneal transplant at AIIMS Bhopal will be closely watched. Officials have indicated accountability measures will follow if any lapse in care is confirmed.