Maternal Mortality: Karnataka BJP Accuses Government of Distributing Inferior Medications Despite Drug Controller's Warning

Davanagere (Karnataka), Jan 8 (NationPress) - The BJP has criticized the Congress-led government in Karnataka regarding maternal mortality, alleging that substandard medications were distributed to hospitals despite alerts from the Drug Controller and under the influence of the relevant minister.

As part of their Fact-Finding Committee, MLA Chandru Lamani and committee members inspected the District Maternity and Children's Hospital and Chitageri District Hospital in Davanagere. During a press briefing, Lamani accused the government of allowing the use of these medications in return for commissions.

Lamani raised serious concerns, stating that despite the Drug Controller's warning about inferior medicines supplied by a pharmaceutical company from West Bengal, the alert was disregarded.

When pressed for details, the medical superintendent revealed that a letter was sent on February 21, 2024. However, Lamani highlighted that the government was made aware 11 months ago of the defective saline supplied by the company, yet its use was still mandated.

Doctors had voiced worries regarding fungal contamination in the saline bottles provided by the company, Lamani noted.

This same saline was disseminated to district, taluk, and PHC hospitals throughout the state.

The MLA disclosed that 21 maternal deaths were recorded at CG Hospital last year, and this year the count has surged to 33, with four months still left in the year.

Numerous deaths were reportedly caused by septic shock, which Lamani attributed to the tainted saline. He explained that contaminated saline could lead to blood vessels hardening, resulting in such fatalities.

He claimed that the substandard saline continued to be supplied until November 16, despite widespread knowledge of its poor quality. Although instructions were issued to recall certain batches, only 5 percent were returned, with the majority still in use.

MLA Lamani accused the minister of enabling the pharmaceutical company to supply these medications. In the Belagavi session, the minister announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of deceased mothers and Rs 2,000 for childcare. However, Lamani criticized the government for failing to visit the grieving families.

He demanded that the families of the deceased receive Rs 25 lakh in compensation and that the government take full responsibility for the upbringing of the affected children, including their education.

He also called for penalties against the company, which is alleged to have profited significantly, and for it to be placed on a blacklist.

Lamani pointed out the deficiency of ICU beds in various locations, including maternity hospitals. He argued that establishing ICUs or critical care units could significantly lower maternal mortality rates.

He stressed the importance of adequate care for high-risk pregnancies and addressing staff shortages in both hospitals.

Lamani called for enhanced procurement and distribution of essential medications and improved care facilities for critically ill patients.

BJP State Women’s Morcha Vice President Dr. Vijayalakshmi Tunga, along with senior leaders Dr. Padma Prakash, Ashok Gowda, Gayathri Siddeshwar, Davanagere District President Rajendra Nagappa, State Women’s Morcha Vice Presidents Jaya H.C., and State Women’s Morcha General Secretary Nishchima Gowdru were in attendance.

Meanwhile, Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao earlier dismissed the allegations, asserting that the central government should effectively implement laws regulating pharmaceutical companies.