Kolkata, 21 January (H.S.): Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Tuesday, called for the immediate arrest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam. His demand comes in connection with alleged deaths caused by the administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate saline at a government medical college and hospital in Paschim Medinipur district.

The tragedy reportedly claimed the lives of a woman and a newborn child, both of whom were administered the expired saline.

Adhikari pointed fingers at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the health portfolio, and the State Health Secretary, holding them directly responsible for the incident. He participated in a protest organized by civil society in Medinipur town, accusing the state government of negligence and corruption.

He alleged that the government continued procuring saline from a blacklisted company, West Bengal Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, despite its tarnished record. The company had been blacklisted by the governments of both Karnataka and West Bengal.

Adhikari criticized the State Health Department for suspending 12 doctors from the hospital, calling it an attempt to make them scapegoats. He demanded an impartial investigation into the matter, stating that the ongoing probe appeared biased.

The state is trying to shift the blame entirely onto the medical staff, while the real culprits sit comfortably in power, Adhikari said during the protest.

The Opposition leader further demanded that the suspension of the doctors be revoked immediately and appropriate compensation be provided to the victims' families.

Offering nominal compensation to the families is not enough. Justice must prevail, and those truly responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable, he said.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh