SGDH shocker! COVID-19 patient handed tablets past expiration date

MARGAO: In a shocking incident reported at the South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) on Monday night, a COVID-19 patient was handed antibiotic tablets past their expiration date. 

However, following arguments, the hospital staff later exchanged the tablets and apologised. 

Narrating the incident, Agnelo Furtado from Fatorda said his family members were fortunate to check the expiry date printed on the strips before consuming the tablets. 

“Four of my family members tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and after consultation with the doctors at the district hospital they were prescribed antibiotic tablets. Of the four members, who tested positive for COVID-19, one was child”, he said. 

Agnelo said when his wife tried to give one of the tablets to the child; they checked the print on strip and found that the tablets had past their expiration date of July 2021. 

“I again rushed to the hospital but the staff refused to accept their fault. However, after arguing for a long time, the staff exchanged the antibiotic tablets with new ones. It is very unfortunate that such incidents are reported at the government hospitals”, he said. 

He urged the hospital staff to be responsible while treating the patients especially those with COVID. 

“I don’t want to blame the government or the Health Minister but it is the duty of the concerned medical staff of the hospital to take precautions while providing health services”, he added. 

Herald efforts to contact the officials of the South Goa District Hospital for their comments on the incident proved futile.