Bengal Case of Expired Saline: Autopsy Reveals Organ Failure
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Synopsis
The preliminary autopsy report of Mamoni Ruidas, who died in West Midnapore after allegedly receiving expired Ringer's Lactate, indicates multi-organ failure and septicemia as possible causes. Investigations are ongoing, raising concerns over the healthcare system's integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Preliminary findings suggest multi-organ failure and septicemia.
- Toxic fluid presence in the body raises questions about additional treatments.
- Two investigations are in progress by health officials and CID.
- Incident highlights risks associated with expired medications.
- Concerns over healthcare practices in West Bengal reignited.
Kolkata, Jan 15 (NationPress) The preliminary autopsy findings of Mamoni Ruidas, the woman who tragically passed away at a state-operated medical college and hospital in West Midnapore district on January 10 after allegedly receiving expired Ringer's Lactate, suggest that multi-organ failure and septicemia may be the primary causes of her demise.
According to sources familiar with the case, the initial autopsy report has indicated the presence of toxic fluid within her system. This revelation raises concerns about whether, in addition to the saline, the victim might have been given oxytocin to mitigate the effects of the toxic fluid.
Currently, two separate investigations are underway: one by a committee established by the state health department and the other by the state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Last week, five women fell ill at the same state-run medical college and hospital in West Midnapore district, allegedly after being given expired Ringer's Lactate. Sadly, one of the women died in the hospital.
The remaining four women were treated in the critical care and intensive care units of the same facility, with three requiring transfer to the state-run S.S.K.M Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata due to significant declines in their health status.
This incident has sparked serious concerns, particularly as the expired RL saline reportedly originated from Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, a company previously banned by both the Karnataka and West Bengal governments.
In response to this situation, the state health department has instructed medical superintendents and chief medical officers across all medical colleges and hospitals to ensure a complete halt to the use of Compound Sodium Lactate Injection (RL) supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. within their respective jurisdictions.
The state government subsequently mandated the removal of all pharmaceutical products from this company from healthcare facilities statewide.
This incident has reignited fears regarding similar occurrences within the state's healthcare system.
Notably, in a recent scandal involving financial misconduct at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the former principal, Sandip Ghosh, faced accusations of promoting the use of expired and ineffective medications on patients for personal profit.
