BJP Slams Congress over Maternal, Infant Deaths in Ballari Hospitals

 Ballari: Concerns over maternal healthcare in Ballari escalated after a fifth maternal death was reported in the district. The latest victim, Sumaya from Kudligi, had delivered a baby via cesarean section on November 11 but succumbed to complications on Thursday night.

After her condition worsened, Sumaya was shifted to the Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) for further treatment. Despite doctors' efforts to address her kidney issues and plans to transfer her to Bengaluru for specialized care, she passed away around 8 pm on Thursday.

All five women who recently died had undergone cesarean deliveries at the government hospital. Following post-delivery health complications, some were transferred to other facilities. Of these five deaths, two occurred in the district hospital, two at VIMS, and one in a private hospital.

Speaking to reporters, Sumaya’s husband, Abdul, alleged that around nine women who underwent cesarean deliveries suffered complications due to a suspected medication infection and some were subsequently transferred to VIMS when their conditions deteriorated.

Meanwhile in a separate incident, a newborn also died at VIMS on Thursday, adding to the growing public alarm over healthcare issues.

District In-Charge Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan spoke to the Ballari Deputy Commissioner over the phone, instructing officials to take the matter seriously and provide a detailed report.

A BJP delegation met the Lokayukta in Bengaluru on Friday, urging immediate action over the maternal and infant deaths allegedly caused by substandard IV fluids in government hospitals.

The delegation, led by Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, included MLC N. Ravikumar, State Mahila Morcha President K. Manjula, BJP Bengaluru South District President and MLA C.K. Ramamurthy, State Medical Cell Coordinator Dr. Narayan, and other senior members.

The memorandum demanded a judicial inquiry into the incidents to identify those responsible for procuring substandard medical supplies and investigate the attempts to suppress facts. It also called for the resignation of State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, citing his failure to ensure safe and effective healthcare.

The memorandum demanded swift and seve legal action against hospital administrators, government officials and politician involved in this cover-up as corruption and negligence in healthcare cannot be tolerated.

The leaders also demanded immediate relief and compensation to the family members of the victims and reforms in healthcare procurement to ensure transparency and enforce stringent quality checks.

The memorandum also demanded immediate steps to improve healthcare services across Karnataka focusing on safety, quality and accessibility to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

Speaking in Bengaluru, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra lambasted the Congress government for its mishandling of the healthcare system.

“The government procured IV fluids from a blacklisted company, resulting in this tragedy. Seven mothers and an infant have died. Yet, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil have not visited the place,” Vijayendra said.

He also criticized Zameer Ahmed Khan, stating, “The district in-charge minister seems disconnected from the issue as he is preoccupied with Waqf matters.”

BJP State General Secretary P. Rajeev also accused the Congress government of collusion with the “medical mafia.”

“Many deaths occurred at Tumakuru Hospital nine months ago. Back then, I had pointed out that the government was working hand-in-glove with the medical mafia and procuring medicines from blacklisted companies. This negligence continues, leading to such incidents,” Rajeev told Deccan Chronicle.

Leader of the opposition R Ashoka took a sharp dig at the Congress government on social media X.

“Do you have any humanity?” Ashoka questioned.

“Another woman and child have died in Ballari due to poor-quality medicines. Your grand public meetings have brought no relief, and neither you nor Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has visited Ballari. What else should we call your government but 'murderous'?" he questioned.

The tweet further demanded immediate action, urging the government to prioritize the safety of women and children from vulnerable families.

"Provide a guarantee for their lives before making tall promises. How many more women and newborns must die before you visit Ballari? Your Congress government should be ashamed."