Karnataka State Women's Commission Chairperson visits Ballari Hospital

She inspected various sections of the hospital, including the maternity ward, delivery rooms, and operation theaters, and also personally checked basic facilities like drinking water, toilets, hot water systems, and patient care arrangements.

Speaking to reporters after the visit Dr. Nagalakshmi emphasized that the government must take full responsibility for the upbringing and education of the affected children and assured that she would bring this matter to the Chief Minister's attention.

“There is a need for enhanced vigilance regarding public health, the supply of high-quality medicines, and improving basic infrastructure in district hospitals,” she said and directed the hospital officials to ensure cleanliness in operation theaters and maintain proper hygiene.

"Such incidents have not occurred in the district hospital before. There is a suspicion that the maternal deaths might be linked to the IV Ringer Lactate solution. All the batches of IV Ringer Lactate supplied at that time were sent for testing, and the report has confirmed contamination. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has already ordered the suspension of the supply of this IV fluid," Dr. Nagalakshmi said.

She said that the government has increased the compensation for the bereaved families from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. She emphasized that the government must take full responsibility for the growth and education of the affected children and assured that she would bring this matter to the Chief Minister's attention.

Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police Dr. Shobha Rani VJ, Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Sharanappa Sankanur, District Surgeon Dr. N. Basareddi, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Yalla Ramesh Babu, BIMS Director Dr. Gangadhar Gowda and other senior officials were present.