Maternal Mortality in Karnataka: Six Deaths Recorded; Health Minister Reports 327 Cases in 2024

Ballari, Dec 6 (NationPress) In response to the unfortunate deaths of six women following childbirth, Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao revealed on Friday that there have been 327 maternal deaths reported in the state this year.

Addressing the press after another woman passed away post-delivery in Ballari district, Minister Rao stated, "I have instructed a thorough investigation into all cases."

"We cannot tolerate such incidents. Strict legal measures must be implemented. Pharmaceutical companies often evade accountability under legal protections. The law has failed to penalize them when found culpable," Minister Rao emphasized.

He asserted that if his resignation could resolve the issue, he would be willing to resign. The government has taken the matter of post-delivery deaths very seriously, he affirmed.

"We require cooperation from the Opposition. This issue affects the lives of citizens. Those who are guilty must be publicly identified. If my resignation will rectify the situation, I am prepared to resign," Minister Rao declared.

"I do not have any concerns regarding my reputation in this matter. If I have made any errors, I am willing to step down," he reiterated.

In Ballari, a total of nine women fell ill, with the fifth also succumbing. She had received the same IV fluid, prompting actions against the supplying company, he noted.

Medical professionals indicated that the sixth deceased, Sumaya, had other health complications but was recovering. However, she faced further complications on Thursday and passed away, Minister Rao explained.

"Let the BJP lodge a complaint with the Lokayukta. If my resignation will remedy the situation, I am ready. In such cases, the guilty must face consequences," he reiterated.

The Karnataka Congress government is under increasing scrutiny following the latest death of a woman post-delivery in Ballari district, bringing the total fatalities of new mothers after cesarean operations to six.

Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that the public should not accept such occurrences and should voice their concerns. "The government has announced compensation for the victims, and we will review reports to prevent future fatalities," he assured.

The most recent victim was identified as 25-year-old Sumaya, who died on Thursday night while receiving treatment at the Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) in Ballari.

He stressed the necessity for accountability: "There must be repercussions for those negligent. It is unacceptable for a healthy woman to die due to negligence or defective medications. The public must react in outrage against such failures."

Minister Rao also expressed concerns about the implicated pharmaceutical company. "The role of the drug supplier is under scrutiny. These companies often operate with legal immunity. We are working to identify flaws in our system and drug procurement protocols," he stated.

Highlighting systemic problems, Rao added, "Officials responsible for medical supplies and procurement are often transferred within four to six months. Only honest and capable officers should be assigned to these positions."

The government has swiftly acted by suspending the state drug controller and initiating legal proceedings against the West Bengal-based company that supplied the IV fluids. A notice has been served to the company's Managing Director, and its facilities have been inspected. The usage of all products supplied by the company, including IV fluids, has been halted.

There seems to be conflicting reports regarding the IV fluids. "While the state lab labeled the IV fluid as unsafe, the central drug lab declared it safe. We have contacted the Drug Controller of India regarding the reliability of these reports and have requested legal action," Rao mentioned.

Sumaya, the latest victim, was admitted to VIMS on November 10. After undergoing cesarean surgery on November 12, she was given IV fluids, which led to kidney complications and ultimately multiple organ failure. Despite undergoing dialysis, she passed away on December 5.

Prior to Sumaya, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi, and Lalitamma also succumbed to post-delivery complications in Ballari district. These incidents have generated widespread concern and outrage throughout the state.