Kolkata, Jan 11 (NationPress) The West Bengal Health Department has urgently requested a report from the investigative committee regarding the death of a pregnant woman at Midnapore Medical College & Hospital in West Midnapore district on Friday, which is allegedly linked to the administration of expired Ringer's Lactate (RL) saline.
According to state health department sources, the 13-member probe committee has been instructed to deliver its findings to the department headquarters by Sunday evening or, at the latest, by Monday morning.
Following this, the report will be presented to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who oversees the health department, for her review and to determine the appropriate next steps.
On Friday evening, one pregnant woman, Mamoni Ruidas (25), tragically passed away, while four other pregnant women, who also allegedly received expired Ringer’s Lactate (RL) saline, are currently receiving treatment in critical condition—two in the critical care unit (CCU) and two in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the same hospital.
In response to this incident, the state government has imposed an immediate ban on the use of ten medications, including Ringer’s Lactate (RL) saline, produced by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, in all state-run hospitals.
“Samples of these medications will be sent to laboratories for thorough examination. Until the results are in, their usage will be prohibited,” stated a health department official, adding that all hospitals have been informed accordingly.
However, the family of the deceased has criticized the state government for its delayed response following the incident.
They have raised concerns about how Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, which had previously been blacklisted by both the West Bengal and Karnataka governments, managed to continue supplying medications to state hospitals.
The opposition leader in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has called for a comprehensive investigation by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
He has also urged an inquiry into whether the firm circumvented regulations to gain access to state-run facilities due to alleged connections with the ruling party in West Bengal.
This incident has reignited concerns regarding the state’s healthcare system and its previous issues.
Recently, R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata faced scrutiny for financial irregularities, with its former principal, Sandip Ghosh, accused of promoting the use of expired and ineffective drugs on patients for personal profit.
