NEW DELHI: A pregnant woman in Maharashtra’s Jalna district suffered burn injuries after hydrochloric acid was allegedly applied to her abdomen during a delivery procedure at a government hospital, officials confirmed on Saturday. According to PTI, the incident took place on Friday at a rural hospital in Bhokardan, where Sheela Bhalerao, from Khaparkheda village, had gone into labour. According to preliminary accounts, a nurse reportedly mistook hydrochloric acid for the medical jelly typically used in such procedures. Despite the serious lapse, Bhalerao gave birth to a healthy baby. However, she sustained burns on her abdomen and is now recovering. Hospital sources suggested that the acid — normally used for cleaning — had been inadvertently placed on a medicine tray by a sanitation worker. Describing the incident as “a serious case of negligence”, District Civil Surgeon Dr R S Patil said an inquiry was under way. “A detailed investigation has been initiated, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said.
