India: Govt nurse uses superglue to close child's wound instead of stitches

A nurse at a government hospital in Karnataka sealed a child’s wound with adhesive superglue instead of stitching, claiming she had used this method for years. 

The incident occurred on January 14 when Gurukishan Annappa Hosamani, 7, was transferred to the Adoor Primary Health Centre in the Haveri district of Karnataka state as a wound on his cheek was bleeding.

The nurse, identified as Jyoti, told the parents that she would adhesive superglue instead of stitches, claiming it would prevent scarring and that she had been using this method to close cuts for years.

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The parent of the child recorded a video clip of the nurse’s response. In the video, she can be heard saying, “I thought applying Fevikwik [superglue] would be a better solution, and if it didn’t work we would have referred him for further treatment.” 

Subsequently, the video went viral and sparked public outrage that prompted the authorities to intervene, but instead of suspending her over medical negligence, they transferred her to another health facility on February 3. 

The authorities’ action further enhanced the public's anger, with people critising that “if a nurse can take such a decision so lightly, the risks in other remote health centers could increase.”

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“Fevikwik is an adhesive solution not permitted for medical use under regulations,” Commissionor’s Office of Health and Family Welfare Services said in a statemnt, adding, “In this case, the staff nurse is responsible for dereliction of duty by using Fevikwik for the child’s treatment.” 

It added that she was suspended following a preliminary report and pending further investigation as per rules.

However, following the suspension order, the relatives of the nurse gathered at the hospital and staged a protest. They demanded cancellation of her suspension stating that the child was safe.