A 29-year-old pharmacist is suing the Volta River Authority Hospital (VRA Hospital) in Aboadze in the Western Region of Ghana for 12 million Ghana cedis (approximately $1.6 million) for medical negligence.
The pharmacist, whose name has not been disclosed, alleges that she was injected with the wrong drug, IM Atracurium 50mg instead of Antigen D, by a midwife on duty at the hospital. This has rendered her mentally and physically incapacitated.
According to a report by Empire FM, an affiliate of GHOne TV, the pharmacist was admitted to the hospital on an undisclosed date for a medical condition. She was prescribed Antigen D, but the midwife on duty accidentally injected her with IM Atracurium 50mg.
IM Atracurium 50mg is a neuromuscular blocking agent used in anesthesia. It is a powerful drug that can cause muscle paralysis and respiratory depression.
The pharmacist alleges that the midwife on duty did not verify the medication before injecting her. She also alleges that the hospital did not have adequate safety protocols in place to prevent such errors from occurring.
As a result of the wrong drug administration, the pharmacist has suffered serious physical and mental injuries. She is now unable to work or perform basic daily activities.
The pharmacist’s lawyers have filed a lawsuit against the VRA Hospital seeking 12 million Ghana cedis in damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income.
The case is still ongoing, and the VRA Hospital has not yet responded to the allegations.