The West Bengal CID has questioned seven junior doctors who were suspended in connection with the alleged administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate saline and other irregularities at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH). Investigations so far indicate that several new mothers were given expired saline, which resulted in the death of one woman, with three others in critical condition.
CID sources revealed that the agency is investigating who directed the junior doctors to perform the deliveries. The investigation also uncovered claims that junior doctors might have been substituting for senior doctors, who were reportedly working privately during their official hours at the government-run facility. The CID is now working to identify these senior doctors and determine how long this alleged proxy arrangement has been occurring. The agency has already seized the hospital's duty register and is reviewing CCTV footage as part of the inquiry.
What occurred at MMCH?
On January 8, four new mothers at MMCH were reportedly given expired Ringer’s Lactate saline. The following day, Mamoni Rui Das’s condition worsened, and she passed away on January 10. The other three mothers—Mampi Singh, Nasreen Khatun, Minara Bibi, and Rekha Sau—were left in critical condition. Singh, Khatun, and Minara were transferred to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for further treatment.
In response to the incident, the state government launched an investigation, sending a team of state experts and CID officers, led by a police officer of DSP rank, to the hospital. Their report was presented to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Following the findings, on January 16, Banerjee suspended 12 doctors, including the medical superintendent and six postgraduate trainee doctors, citing clear medical negligence.
Last week, the CID summoned senior doctors Dr. Himadri Nayek and Dr. Dilip Pal for questioning to determine if they were on duty on January 8. Additionally, Resident Medical Officer Soumen Das was questioned about his involvement and whereabouts during the incident. Allegations suggest that Das was not present at the hospital on that day.
In a separate development, Pallavi Bandhopadhay, the senior resident doctor and anaesthetist at MMCH, approached the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, claiming that the CID was attempting to falsely implicate her instead of investigating the actual issue with the saline. The court has called for the case diary to review the matter.
References:
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)