New Delhi: A nurse at a government hospital in Karnataka was suspended on Wednesday for using Fevikwik instead of sutures to treat a deep wound on a seven-year-old boy’s cheek. The incident, which occurred on 14 January at Adoor Primary Health Centre in Haveri district’s Hanagal taluk sparked widespread outrage and concerns over rural healthcare practices in the state.
The boy identified as Gurukishan Annappa Hosamani, was brought to the hospital with a deep facial wound. Instead of following the standard medical procedure of suturing, the attending nurse applied Fevikwik. She claimed that it would prevent scarring. The child’s parents recorded a video of the nurse—identified as Jyoti—justifying her actions. They later lodged a formal complaint. The video was widely circulated on social media platforms.
Nurse initially transferred to another health facility
Despite clear video evidence, authorities initially transferred Jyoti to another health facility—the Gutthal Health Institute in Haveri taluk—on 3 February, rather than suspending her, leading to further public outrage. On Wednesday she was suspended pending further investigation. The decision was taken after a review meeting led by the chief secretary.
Activists and residents have demanded stricter enforcement of medical protocols and better training for healthcare workers.
Health experts, while condemning the use of non-medical adhesives for wound treatment, explained that Fevikwik is not meant for medical use and can lead to infections.
Parents remain concerned about possible long-term effects
This is not an isolated incident. In a similar case last year, another seven-year-old boy in Karnataka’s Raichur district received Fevikwik treatment for a deep cut above his eye at a private hospital, according to multiple reports.
Meanwhile, Gurukishan’s parents remain concerned about possible long-term effects of the adhesive treatment. The health department has assured them that medical authorities will monitor the child’s condition.
This incident comes after the tragic death of a six-month-old baby boy at Bommalapura Primary Health Centre in Karnataka on Monday morning. The infant lost consciousness after being given anaesthesia for an ear-piercing ritual.
