These orders come after a 13-member expert team was formed by the health department to investigate the death of a new mother, and the cases of three others who were critical after childbirth, at the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), allegedly due to the administration of expired intravenous fluid. On Monday, the state government ordered a CID probe along with an administrative probe.
The memo on Monday ordered the officials to “ensure total stoppage of the existing stock of Compound Sodium Lactate Injection (RL) supplied by Pashchim Banga Pharmaceutical Pvt Ltd in his/her jurisdiction. The existing stock if any should be withdrawn from wards/hospitals, if not already withdrawn, and must be kept in a sealed place”.
The other notice directed “all faculty of anesthesiology, OBS and gynecology, general surgery, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and ENT departments” to ensure that all surgical procedures are done by the “faculty/bed in charge”.
One of the leading faces of the junior doctors protesting the R K Kar rape and murder incident, Debasish Halder, at a press conference held by the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front on Tuesday, said, “We have enquired about the conditions of the three new mothers. Yesterday (Monday), a press conference was held by the Chief Secretary and it seems that they are trying to turn it to a case of negligence in treatment. We have always raised issues regarding the RL (Ringer’s Lactate) saline. We have informed the administration but no steps were taken.”
He added, “Secondly, oxytocin is administered to new mothers. Many senior doctors have raised questions but no steps were taken. The health secretary cannot shake off his responsibility. They are saying there will be an investigation; We welcome that but why after the death of a new mother? Why were steps not taken before?”
Addressing the media, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant said there was “serious negligence” on the part of the staff on duty on the day of the case at MMCH, according to the report from the expert team constituted from SSKM hospital. Three new mothers, who are battling for life, have been shifted to SSKM hospital for treatment.
According to sources, ventilation support is being given to Mampi Singh (23) and Nasrin Khatun (19). Singh and Minara Bibi are admitted to the CCU, while Khatun is admitted to the ITU.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato has written to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagath Prakash Nadda regarding the “collapse” of the healthcare system in West Bengal.