Karnataka BJP Calls for Assurance of Life for Post-Natal Mothers Amid Maternal Deaths

Bengaluru, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has on Thursday urged that the Congress-led government in the state should ensure a guarantee of life for post-natal mothers instead of merely providing Rs 2,000 to women through the Gruha Laxmi scheme, highlighting the necessity to prioritize their survival.

During a press conference in Bengaluru, Assembly Opposition leader R. Ashoka criticized Congress leaders for discussing women's empowerment while ignoring the crucial matter of maternal health.

"Instead of distributing Rs 2,000, it would be more beneficial for them to guarantee the lives of women. The government must first ensure the well-being of post-natal mothers," he asserted.

He has also called for the resignation of Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and demanded a judicial inquiry into the ongoing incidents.

Opposition leader Ashoka expressed his disgust over the persistent deaths of post-natal mothers in the state, revealing that 736 mothers have lost their lives due to negligence.

He labeled it as state-sponsored murder, holding the government accountable.

Referring to particular incidents, he spoke of a woman in Hubballi who died during childbirth, prompting her husband to attempt suicide, along with another maternal death reported in Tiptur.

The deaths of women post-pregnancy are occurring after the administration of IV fluids provided to hospitals.

He criticized senior Congress leaders for failing to visit affected families, even when such tragedies occurred during Congress events.

The government has claimed that all matters have been managed properly.

However, it has been disclosed that the Deputy Secretary issued a notice regarding the mistakes made by the Drug Controller concerning the medications supplied by a pharmaceutical company.

Despite this, during the Assembly session, Health Minister Gundu Rao insisted that all necessary actions had been taken, stated R. Ashoka.

Even though the Congress government mentioned conducting a death audit, the report has yet to be published.

Ashoka expressed his frustration, asserting that the government's response in the Assembly was merely an attempt to evade criticism without taking any decisive action.

He emphasized that the IV fluids supplied by the state government, not the Central government, were responsible for the fatalities.

"The state government is accountable for testing the medicines. These deaths have not been observed in other states but are occurring solely in Karnataka," he remarked.

He also claimed that the state government has acknowledged that 462 medications were sub-standard, yet the same drugs were distributed to hospitals, leading to these unfortunate incidents.

The BJP has announced a significant protest in Kalaburagi on January 4, demanding the resignation of State Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, he added.

The Opposition leader also alleged that Minister Kharge’s name is mentioned in the death note of contractor Sachin Panchal and accused Kharge’s close associates of being involved in the case.

"However, as the son of the Congress President, Priyank Kharge is being shielded, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is hesitant to act," Ashoka claimed.

He alleged that there is a rise in suicides in the state, with officials succumbing to governmental pressure and taking their own lives.

"This is a murderous government," he proclaimed.

Ashoka further criticized the Congress government for dismantling BJP’s initiatives, including cattle protection schemes, and alleged that the current administration is misappropriating resources intended for the welfare of cattle.

"The BJP will persist in its struggle against these issues. We have always pursued logical conclusions to our protests, and this fight for justice for post-natal mothers will not cease," he affirmed.