In Jodhpur, Rajasthan, an unusual incident occurred at Paota Hospital when a ward boy administered a heart test on a patient, reportedly learning the process through a YouTube video. The incident took place on October 31, 2024, during the Diwali holiday, when hospital staff, including doctors and technicians, were largely absent. The patient had come to the hospital with health complaints, expecting medical attention, only to encounter the ward boy performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) without formal training.

A video recording of the incident captured the ward boy conducting the ECG despite objections from bystanders, who questioned his qualifications. One person, accompanying the patient, can be heard in the video urging him to stop, saying, "You do not know about the ECG test, it is an important test. You may kill the patient. The work is related to ECG, please understand. How will you conduct the ECG test after watching it on the net (internet)?" Despite the warnings, the ward boy proceeded, acknowledging that it was his first time conducting an ECG, adding, "Yes, I am conducting it for the first time. But is there any problem?... I have not done the ECG test and am not a technician. But, the hospital staff is absent due to Diwali."

The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, prompted widespread reactions, with many questioning the hospital’s staffing policies during public holidays. The lack of medical professionals on duty at a time of increased need sparked a broader discussion on healthcare management in the region. Following the social media exposure, Jodhpur Medical College’s chief, Dr. B.S. Jodha, initiated an inquiry into the incident, pledging to take appropriate action against the ward boy if any malpractice was confirmed

Dr. Jodha also reassured the public regarding the safety implications, explaining that while the ECG report may have inaccuracies due to incorrect electrode placement, it would not pose a direct risk to the patient's health. “The video surfaced on Friday, November 1, and the matter is under investigation. Action will be taken against the accused. The test is not life-threatening. The incorrect ECG point placement does not pose any danger to the patient, it only results in an inaccurate report,” he stated.

The incident has raised questions about the protocols in place for medical emergencies during holidays, especially in facilities that serve a large population. Paota Hospital, a government facility, sees a high number of patients daily, many of whom rely on its services for essential care. This particular incident underscores the risks of insufficient staffing and highlights the need for contingency planning to ensure the availability of qualified professionals at all times.

The video’s spread across platforms has led to mounting calls for stricter hospital oversight and improvements in the training and roles of support staff, such as ward boys, who often step in for auxiliary medical tasks but lack the requisite training for specific procedures like an ECG. Additionally, advocates for healthcare reform have highlighted the necessity of continuous training for all medical support staff to avoid similar incidents in the future.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)