12 Medical Practitioners Suspended by CM Mamata Banerjee Over Hospital Death Incidents
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Synopsis
In a significant development, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the suspension of 12 doctors linked to the deaths of a woman and her newborn due to alleged expired saline usage in West Bengal. Investigations revealed negligence, prompting legal action and emphasis on operational protocol adherence.
Key Takeaways
- 12 doctors suspended for negligence.
- Deaths linked to expired saline administration.
- Compensation of Rs 5,00,000 for the deceased's family.
- CCTV installation recommended in operation theatres.
- Legal proceedings to follow against negligent doctors.
Kolkata, January 16 (NationPress) - The health department of West Bengal has taken action by suspending 12 doctors following the tragic deaths of a woman and her newborn baby, linked to the alleged use of expired saline, as announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday.
Five women reportedly suffered health issues after being allegedly given expired Ringer’s Lactate at a state-run medical college and hospital located in the West Midnapore district. One of these women, Mamoni Ruidas, passed away on January 10, while her baby succumbed to death on Thursday morning. The baby was born to Rekha Shaw, one of the four remaining women.
The Chief Minister stated, “Concurrent investigations by the state health department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have unequivocally highlighted the negligence exhibited by these doctors. If they had carried out their responsibilities effectively, these lives could have been preserved. The 12 doctors have already been suspended. Additionally, the CID is pursuing an investigation into the case, and legal actions will be initiated against the doctors based on the findings and legal stipulations.”
Included among the suspended practitioners are the medical superintendent-cum vice-principal (MSVP) and the resident medical officer of the mentioned medical college and hospital.
The Chief Minister suggested that had there been CCTVs installed in the operation theatres, the culprits could have been apprehended in the act. “I believe that CCTV systems should be set up in every operation theatre, and I have instructed the state health secretary to ensure necessary measures are implemented,” she remarked.
Moreover, the family of the deceased woman will receive a compensation of Rs 5,00,000 from the state government. “In addition, we are prepared to offer employment to one family member if they desire,” stated the Chief Minister.
She also pointed out that senior doctors are mandated to adhere to an eight-hour duty rule, which many are neglecting. “Such disregard for medical responsibilities is akin to a criminal act. Therefore, we must enforce strict measures. If you believe you cannot fulfill your assigned duties, you may resign and seek employment elsewhere,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, who attended the press briefing with the Chief Minister, revealed that the investigation indicated that operational protocols were not adhered to in this specific case. “The junior doctors were tasked with the operation in the absence of their senior counterparts,” Pant elaborated.
Nonetheless, the Chief Minister contested the prevailing belief that the administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate was the sole cause of the tragedies at the medical college and hospital. “If that were the case, we would have encountered similar reports from other hospitals across the state utilizing the same solution,” she concluded.
