Ballari maternal deaths: Govt. open to any inquiry, says Minster

It will will help as fix the system, says Dinesh Gundu Rao

The Karnataka government is open to any inquiry into the issue of maternal deaths in government hospitals, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said in Belagavi on Tuesday.

“I will not shy away from any kind of inquiry, whether by a special investigation team, the Lokayukta, a joint legislature committee or a judicial inquiry. In fact, an inquiry will help as fix the system,” Mr. Rao said in the Legislative Council.

He was responding to the issue raised by some members under Rule 30 of the conduct of business in the legislature on the five maternal deaths in Ballari district hospital recently.

As many as 25 members from across parties, spoke on the issue. They said the deaths recorded in Ballari were only a part of the problem and that maternal mortality remained an issue across all government hospitals in the State. Some of them suspected the involvement of the pharma company lobby behind the tragedy.

The Minister said the government formed a team of experts from the Rajiv Gandhi Health Sciences University. He described the steps taken so far, including stopping the use of compound sodium lactate injection I.P. (Ringer’s lactate solution), an intravenous (IV) fluid that doctors commonly use to restore hydration and fluid balance, manufactured by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical based in  West Bengal, which was found to be sub-standard.

The Minister said the government had blacklisted the company twice in the past, but the firm obtained a stay against the order. He also said that the drug found to be sub-standard was found to be of safe during tests in a Central government laboratory.

Some members, including Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said the suspension of an officer is a short-term solution and that a detailed inquiry was required to find out the real culprits, who could be anyone from technicians, nurses, doctors or administrators.

Members Shashil Namoshi and M.R. Seetharam said that teaching hospitals attached to medical colleges lacked a proper chain of command. While the doctors are working under the National Medical Council, the other staff, including group B, C and D workers report to the State government. They demanded change in rules to ensure smooth administration.

K.S. Naveen and C.T. Ravi said Karnataka had the highest maternal mortality rates in south India, which was a matter of shame. Among districts, Chickballapur had a higher rate of deaths, well above the national average. Member Govinda Raju demanded free education and healthcare to the infants left behind by the new mothers who died in Ballari district hospital.

Published - December 17, 2024 08:00 pm IST