A three-year-old child undergoing treatment for blood cancer at AIIMS Bhopal allegedly died after a nurse mistakenly administered formalin instead of a prescribed medical fluid, triggering a criminal investigation and internal inquiry at the premier medical institute. The incident reportedly took place in December 2025 and has raised serious questions about hospital protocol and handling of hazardous chemicals in patient care areas.

According to the family of the child, identified as Sarthak Yadav from Sagar district’s Bina tehsil, he had been admitted to the paediatric ward on December 15, 2025, in critical condition. His treatment for blood cancer was underway when the alleged error occurred two days later. The family claims that a blocked IV line led to a nursing staff member intervening, during which a syringe marked with the letter “F” was used.

The child’s father alleged that he attempted to stop the procedure but was overruled by the nurse, after which the substance was injected into the IV line. Soon after the administration, the child’s condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly. He was shifted to the paediatric intensive care unit where doctors attempted resuscitation, but he was declared dead at 8:45 am the same day, according to the family.

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Following the incident, an internal inquiry at AIIMS Bhopal reportedly concluded that formalin—a toxic chemical used for preserving biological samples—had been administered intravenously, leading to the child’s death. The report allegedly found lapses in handling and storage of the chemical within the ward and held nursing staff responsible for gross negligence in the case.

Based on the findings, police in Bagsewania have registered a criminal case against two nursing officers under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to negligence and mishandling of hazardous substances. Authorities have stated that both staff members have been suspended and are currently being searched as the investigation continues. Hospital management has also removed them from duty pending further action.

Formalin, a solution of formaldehyde gas, is a highly toxic chemical commonly used in laboratories for preserving tissues, biopsy samples, and cadavers. The tragic incident has intensified scrutiny over hospital safety protocols and the handling of restricted substances in clinical environments, particularly in high-dependency wards treating critically ill patients.

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