Karnataka Women Hesitant to Visit Government Hospitals Following Maternal Mortality, Claims BJP Leader

Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 18 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has launched a criticism of the state's Congress-led government regarding the maternal deaths reported throughout the region. R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, brought the matter to the Legislative Assembly's attention, highlighting that the condition has deteriorated to the point where women are reluctant to enter government hospitals.

“It is profoundly distressing to witness women losing their lives post-delivery. Many women in the region are openly declaring that they should steer clear of government-run hospitals due to the recent wave of maternal fatalities. A staggering fifty percent of women are hesitant to seek care at these facilities and instead opt for private hospitals,” Ashoka asserted.

In response, Congress MLA N. H. Konareddy challenged Ashoka's remarks, asking, “As the Leader of the Opposition, are you insinuating that the residents of this state should avoid government hospitals? What type of message does this convey to the public if such comments are made?”

He further urged Ashoka to share a more positive message with the community. “The government has enhanced conditions in government hospitals. You ought to communicate responsibly and refrain from making statements that undermine the credibility of government doctors and hospitals,” Konareddy emphasized.

Ashoka continued, alleging that hospitals were utilizing outdated medications that had expired six months prior. He noted that the Drugs Control Board had issued a directive against the use of such medications, even if they were provided. “How can it be permissible to continue administering these medications despite the directive?” he questioned.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao replied, stating that the state government had ceased the use of the specified medication and had blacklisted the supplying company. However, the firm contested this in court and secured a stay order. He added that a Central agency had issued a report confirming the IV fluid was safe for use. “What are we supposed to do in this scenario?” Minister Rao expressed his frustration.

Ashoka insisted on sending a strong message to pharmaceutical companies that provide substandard and counterfeit medications. He also called for an inquiry into the maternal deaths by a commission led by a sitting judge.

The recent maternal deaths have sent shockwaves through the state. These occurrences were not limited to Ballari but were also reported in Raichur, Belagavi, and Chitradurga districts. Ashoka criticized the health department: “The health department itself has become unwell. Ministers visited the hospitals only six days after the incidents.”

He further alleged that doctors were unwilling to acknowledge their errors. “The Drug Controller, who faced suspension regarding this issue, has been made a scapegoat. The state is grappling with the issue of fake doctors, and the health department is operating inefficiently,” Ashoka charged.

Ashoka also condemned the state government for its compensation strategies. “The state announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh for a victim of an elephant attack in Wayanad, Kerala, yet initially offered only Rs 2 lakh for the families of deceased mothers,” he criticized.

In earlier discussions about maternal deaths in the Legislative Council, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had called for stricter regulations on the powerful pharmaceutical lobby in the country. “I want to emphasize that drug-related laws are insufficiently robust. There is a lack of historical action taken against pharmaceutical companies.”