Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addresses the assembly, promising stern action over the Ballari maternal deaths linked to substandard IV fluids. (Image by arrangement)
BELAGAVI: The Karnataka government has taken the maternal deaths reported in Ballari seriously and assured stern action against those responsible. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao informed the assembly that a judicial investigation would be initiated to probe the deaths, after consultations with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
"If found guilty, I am ready to face any consequences without hesitation," the minister asserted during the winter session of the legislature at Suvarna Soudha.
Responding to concerns raised under Rule 69 by opposition leaders, Minister Gundu Rao explained that on November 9, 10, and 11, a total of 34 cesarean deliveries were performed at the Ballari hospital. Among these, seven mothers developed severe complications post-delivery, leading to the deaths of five, while two recovered.
An expert team from Bengaluru's Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences was dispatched to investigate the matter. The team submitted its report on November 14, confirming that the doctors adhered to all surgical protocols and were not at fault. Instead, the deaths were attributed to adverse reactions to Ringer’s Lactate IV fluids administered post-surgery. The IV fluids, supplied by the Paschim Banga company, were found to be of substandard quality during laboratory tests. Tests conducted at a Hyderabad lab revealed the presence of endotoxic elements in the Ringer’s Lactate IV fluid, the minister stated.
Rao said that the same IV fluid was supplied to other hospitals in Karnataka. Consequently, an audit of maternal deaths across the state has been ordered. The Development Commissioner has been tasked with reviewing the case, and an expert medical team is also conducting a parallel investigation.
To ensure systemic improvements, a senior IAS officer has been appointed to recommend reforms in the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation (KMSCL).
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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