Niloufer once bitten twice shy over blood transfusion

Hyderabad: Doctors at Niloufer Hospital are on the defensive after the death of five mothers, extensively explaining the side-effects of blood transfusions to patients and taking consent  from the patients or their relatives.

Their consent is being formally taken to prove that they are aware of the high risks involved and of the complications that could occur. This practice was introduced two days ago at the hospital, where all prescriptions advise  “high risk counselling for the patient for blood transfusion.”

This practice was obser-ved in the case of pregnant mothers who were admitted to the hospital in an anaemic condition and required blood transfusions.

Mr Mehdi Hasan, a relative of the patient, explained,  “We were clearly told that in the case of any side-effects due to the blood transfusion, hospital doctors and staff would not be held responsible. We were informed about all the side effects that could occur, like red patches and itching, in addition to complications that could occur in the body. We didn’t have any option as we do not even understand or know what to do at this stage.”

According to sources in the district medical and health department, orders have been given from the government, that counseling must be carried out to all patients in the case of a blood transfusion and every woman be told about the complications that could occur during the birth of a child.  

A senior health officer explained, "It’s been done after several instances where patients blamed the hospital for their complications. So, the patient’s or a relative’s signature is being taken as proof that they have been counseled and told about the many complications that could occur for which they have given their consent.”