Mix-up in gases results in tragic death, medical negligence linked

• Health Minister calls for report   

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

An incident has raised alarming questions about potential medical negligence, as it is reported that a patient at the Colombo National Hospital has been mistakenly administered high levels of carbon dioxide instead of life-sustaining oxygen by a minor staff member leading to the death of the patient.  According to sources, the alleged mix-up in administering gases has prompted heightened scrutiny, it is suggested that such negligence could have dire consequences, potentially leading to the loss of a patient’s life. 

During the recovery process, the anesthetist, a professor in the unit, encountered a safety pin index failure or break.  Initially, an O2 cylinder was positioned, followed by the placement of a CO2 cylinder on that specific pin. 

However, a minor staff member mistakenly replaced the O2 cylinder, leading to a gradual drop in saturation and eventual arrest. 

The victim is a 58-year-old woman from the Nugegoda area who underwent a breast surgery in Operating Room B. Following the tragic death, Minister of Health Ramesh Pathirana has urgently directed a comprehensive report from the Director of the Colombo National Hospital.