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By IANS, Kolkata, January 11
The West Bengal Health Department has launched a probe into the tragic death of a pregnant woman at Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, allegedly caused by the administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate (RL) saline. The state has formed a 13-member committee and directed it to submit a detailed report by Sunday evening or Monday morning at the latest.
The deceased, 25-year-old Mamoni Ruidas, passed away on Friday evening, while four other pregnant women, reportedly administered the same expired saline, remain in critical condition. Two of them are under treatment in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), while the other two are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also oversees the health portfolio, is expected to review the probe findings and determine subsequent actions.
In response to the incident, the state government has taken immediate steps, banning the use of ten medicines, including Ringer’s Lactate saline, manufactured by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited, across all state-run hospitals. “The specimens of these medicines will be sent to laboratories for examination. Until results are available, their usage will remain prohibited,” said a health department official.
Controversy and Questions
The bereaved family has raised concerns over the state’s delayed response, questioning how Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Limited—a firm blacklisted by both West Bengal and Karnataka—continued to supply medicines to government facilities.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has demanded a thorough investigation by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). He also called for an inquiry into allegations that the company gained access to state-run hospitals through political connections with the ruling party.
Broader Implications
This incident has reignited concerns about the quality and accountability of West Bengal’s healthcare system. The tragedy mirrors past allegations of irregularities, including the recent controversy at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata, where a former principal was accused of promoting the use of expired drugs for personal gain.
The government’s swift action following this incident will be critical in restoring public confidence in the healthcare system and ensuring accountability for such lapses.
