In response to the serious allegations, the West Bengal Health Department has formed a 10-member enquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee is scheduled to visit the hospital in Medinipur on Saturday. This move comes after the families of the affected patients filed a formal complaint with the police on Friday.
The Health Department has directed hospital authorities to immediately replace the existing saline stock with a fresh batch to prevent further harm. Additionally, a detailed report has been requested from the principal of the medical college regarding the alleged negligence.
While authorities are demanding answers about how expired saline was stocked and administered, some doctors have suggested that a wrong injection might have been used instead. This conflicting information has intensified concerns over the hospital's safety protocols.
The deceased patient has been identified as Mamoni Rui Das (21). She gave birth on Wednesday, but her health rapidly deteriorated the following day. She was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Thursday and sadly passed away on Friday.
At least five other women, who are also in critical condition, have been transferred to the ICU for intensive treatment.
The husband of one affected patient expressed his distress, saying, "My wife gave birth to a baby on Friday, and then her urine stopped. Soon after, she was moved to an ICU. They have given some wrong saline. Something is wrong in the saline."
The health department’s inquiry committee is expected to provide clarity on the cause of the incident and recommend corrective actions. Meanwhile, the hospital remains under intense scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)