Kolkata, 14 January (H.S.): The death of a woman at the state-run Medinipur Medical College and Hospital, allegedly after being administered expired Ringer’s Lactate (RL) saline, has raised serious concerns over the healthcare system in West Bengal. Following the incident, the state health department on Tuesday has ordered the immediate suspension of the use of this particular saline across all medical facilities in the state.

A notification issued by the Central Medical Stores (CMS), Kolkata, has directed medical superintendents and chief medical officers in all districts to ensure the complete withdrawal of Compound Sodium Lactate Injection (RL) supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. The notification mandates that existing stock must be sealed and stored securely, and a compliance report submitted at the earliest.

On Monday, two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) were filed in the Calcutta High Court regarding the matter. Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, has demanded FIRs be registered against Chief and Health Minister Mamata Banerjee, and State Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam.

Last week, five pregnant women were critically admitted to the hospital after allegedly being given expired saline. Among them, 25-year-old Mamoni Ruidas passed away on Friday, while the remaining four are undergoing treatment. Three of them were shifted to SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Sunday night after their health condition deteriorated further.

The incident has brought renewed attention to Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., the supplier of the saline, which has previously been blacklisted by the Karnataka governments. This raises alarming questions about the procurement and distribution process of medical supplies in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh