Six maternal deaths spark outrage in Karnataka, Lokayukta launches investigation

Six women died while undergoing surgeries, preliminary findings attribute the deaths to substandard intravenous (IV) fluids.
Karnataka Lokayukta
Karnataka Lokayukta
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The Karnataka Lokayukta has launched a suo motu investigation into the maternal deaths at Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) Hospital. Justice B.S. Patil, the Lokayukta, has directed the registration of a case under the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, targeting senior officials from the Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education departments, the Karnataka Medical Supplies Corporation, and BIMS.

Justice Patil ordered police inspections of the hospital and its drug store, with instructions to submit a detailed report. District health officers and deputy commissioners across Karnataka were instructed to provide updates on measures to prevent the administration of substandard life-saving drugs in their regions. Reports on compensation provided to victims’ families and the accountability of officials involved were also sought.

The tragedy, which claimed six lives, has intensified scrutiny of the Congress-led Karnataka government. The latest victim, Sumaya, 25, succumbed to multiple organ failure on December 5 at the Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS). She is the sixth new mother to die following caesarean surgeries at the district hospital in November. Other victims include Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi, and Lalitamma.

Preliminary findings attribute the deaths to complications linked to substandard intravenous (IV) fluids. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed shock over the “unacceptable” deaths, pledging swift corrective action. “If a healthy woman dies due to negligence or faulty medicines, it is unacceptable. The public must not tolerate such failures and should protest,” he said, announcing compensation for the victims’ families.

The IV fluids in question were supplied by a pharmaceutical company based in West Bengal. While the Karnataka State Drug Testing Laboratory flagged the fluids as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ) in March 2023, the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Kolkata later deemed them safe, leading to a credibility gap. The state government has urged the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to address these discrepancies and expedite legal action against the company.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the government has suspended the Karnataka Drug Controller, initiated legal proceedings against the pharmaceutical company, and halted the use of its products. Inspections of the company’s manufacturing facilities are underway to identify any lapses.

The opposition BJP has seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress government, lodging a complaint with the Lokayukta and demanding a judicial probe. The BJP accused the government of gross negligence and collusion to cover up the tragedy. The BJP called for immediate relief and compensation, action against those responsible, and comprehensive healthcare reforms.

"...This tragedy reflects a catastrophic failure of the Congress-led government in Karnataka. The gross negligence is coupled with active collusion to hide the truth," the BJP said.

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