Mamata Initiates CID Investigation into Fatal Case of Expired Saline in Bengal
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Kolkata, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, announced on Monday that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will conduct an inquiry into the tragic death of a pregnant woman last week at the state-operated Medical College & Hospital located in the West Midnapore district. This incident allegedly involved the administration of 'expired' Ringer’s Lactate (RL) saline.
During a press briefing at the state secretariat, Nabanna, the Chief Minister emphasized that the sequence of events clearly indicates negligence on the part of the hospital's medical staff.
She further clarified that the CID's investigation will proceed simultaneously with the inquiry already initiated by the state health department.
"Strict action will be enforced once the comprehensive report from the inquiry committee is submitted. I will not tolerate any form of negligence in this matter," the Chief Minister asserted.
This decision to refer the investigation to the CID came shortly after public interest litigations (PILs) were submitted in the Calcutta High Court regarding the issue.
Recently, five pregnant women were critically hospitalized at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital after allegedly receiving expired saline.
One of these women, Mamoni Ruidas (25), tragically passed away on Friday. The other four remain under medical care at the same facility.
Three of them were transferred to S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital in south Kolkata on Sunday night due to a severe decline in their health.
This incident has raised substantial concerns, particularly since the expired RL saline reportedly originated from Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, a company previously prohibited by both the Karnataka and West Bengal governments.
The West Bengal health department has established a 13-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the administration of expired saline to these patients.
This occurrence has reignited worries about similar incidents within the state's healthcare system.
It is noteworthy that a recent case of financial misconduct at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata involved its former principal, Sandip Ghosh, who was accused of promoting the use of expired and ineffective medications on patients for personal financial gain.
