Karnataka BJP Files Complaint with Lokayukta, Calls for Judicial Inquiry into Maternal Deaths

Bengaluru, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has formally filed a complaint with the Lokayukta on Friday, urging for an investigation into the maternal fatalities in the state that are reportedly linked to inferior quality IV fluids, and has called for a judicial probe into this unfortunate incident.

The BJP delegation, led by the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, presented the complaint to Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil.

“This incident necessitates accountability, transparency, and swift corrective measures,” Narayanaswamy remarked.

“The resignation of Dinesh Gundu Rao, the Health Minister, is not merely a request but an ethical imperative. A lack of decisive action will only exacerbate public outrage and will be remembered as a tragic chapter in Karnataka’s governance,” he accused.

“We demand a judicial inquiry to reveal the truth behind these maternal fatalities, pinpoint those accountable for the production of subpar medical supplies, and investigate attempts to conceal the facts,” Narayanaswamy insisted.

“These conditions represent a blatant violation of public trust. The deaths of these women are not simply statistics; they result from a healthcare system deteriorating due to political negligence, administrative incompetence, and moral decay,” the BJP's complaint asserted.

The residents of Karnataka relied on the government to protect their lives, but this incident has irreparably shattered that trust, he said.

“The Congress-led administration has failed to safeguard its most vulnerable populations, instead choosing to shield those responsible for this calamity,” the BJP alleged.

In its submission, the BJP also called for immediate relief and compensation, prosecution of those responsible, reforms in healthcare procurement, and extensive healthcare reforms.

“We express profound outrage and sorrow over the tragic deaths of numerous women in government hospitals across Karnataka due to the administration of substandard intravenous (IV) fluids. This calamity highlights a catastrophic failure of the Congress-led government in Karnataka. Such gross negligence is compounded by an active effort to conceal the truth,” the memorandum stated.

“The most recent victim was a pregnant woman from Kudligi, who was admitted to VIMS, Ballari on November 24 and died on November 26. In response to significant public outcry, a three-member committee of experts was formed. The committee confirmed that the death of pregnant women was due to the administration of substandard IV fluids,” the complaint detailed.

The use of substandard IV fluids in government hospitals signifies a complete disregard for patient safety and reveals systemic corruption.

“Rather than addressing the root causes of these preventable fatalities, health authorities and the government have attempted to suppress the truth,” it alleged.

BJP MLC N. Ravikumar, State Convenor K. Narayana, State Co-Convenor of the Doctor Cell Dr. M.S. Sadananda, State Committee Member of the Doctor Cell Dr. H. Laxman, State Mahila Morcha President Manjula, and MLA C.K. Ramamurthy were present.

The latest victim, Sumaya, was admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10. Following a cesarean section on November 12, she was given IV fluids, which led to kidney complications and ultimately resulted in multiple organ failure. She was undergoing dialysis but passed away on December 5.

Prior to Sumaya, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi, and Lalitamma also died due to post-delivery complications in Ballari district.

These occurrences have sparked widespread concern and outrage throughout the state.

In light of the deaths of six women following delivery, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated on Friday that there have been 327 maternal deaths reported in the state this year.

Speaking to the press on Friday following the death of another woman after delivery in Ballari district, Minister Rao declared, "I have instructed an investigation into all cases. There should be no tolerance for such instances. Stringent legal action is necessary. Pharmaceutical companies are exploiting legal loopholes. The law has failed to penalize them when found guilty," Minister Rao emphasized.

Minister Rao affirmed that if his resignation is perceived as a solution, he is prepared to resign.

The government is taking the issue of maternal deaths very seriously, he stressed.