The West Bengal government suspended 12 doctors on Thursday (January 16, 2025) flagging medical negligence in the expired saline administration case which led to a woman and a newborn child’s death. As damage control they announced ₹five lakh compensation and a job for the deceased’s family. This comes even as a doctors’ association previously raised questions about authorities trying to shift the blame on them to create distraction from the real issue.
Taking action on this ongoing issue in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is also the Health Minister said that people who were on duty when the incident happened will face immediate action. She added, “The Chief Secretary and Health Secretary have submitted the two investigation reports to me. As per their suggestion, we are suspending 12 doctors. CID will look into the criminal cases.”
The 12 doctors include the Medical Superintendent and Vice Principal (MSVP) of the Medinipur Medical College and Hospital, the Resident Medical Officer, one Assistant Professor, the Head of the Department, and six post-graduate trainee doctors.
Ms. Banerjee has also said that allegations have been flagged against a doctor during the investigation process that he was officially present at three different operations at different locations during the time of the incident. She added that various such irregularities have pointed towards “medical negligence and violations of procedures”.
The Chief Minister in the presence of Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and Health Secretary N.S. Nigam also announced compensation for the deceased woman’s family. Ms. Banerjee said, “What has happened is deeply tragic and unacceptable. While no compensation can truly address the loss, we are offering ₹five lakh as compensation to the family of the victim. We will also offer a job to a family member.”
Reacting to the suspension of doctors, Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari said that the CM should shoulder the responsibility as she is also the Health Minister. During a visit to the deceased Mamoni Das’ husband, he said, “Banerjee sent the RL saline from central stores and has damaged the health of thousands of women even after knowing that it is of bad quality.”
In a previous statement, the Joint Platform of Doctors had reacted to the issue of blaming doctors in this case and stated, “The administration has been ignoring the problem of fake medicines for a long time, which highlights a political conspiracy. Efforts have been made to divert public attention and point fingers at doctors.”
Rising controversy
Five women were administered RL on the Intravenous (IV) fluid which had allegedly expired. All of them fell critically ill and one of them died after delivering a baby.
Three of the other women were shifted to the S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata on Sunday. Two of these women are still critical and one of the newborn babies of these women passed away on Thursday.
Many sections of doctors and Mr Adhikari had raised questions about the quality of the RL that was administered to the five women. The RL was from Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals which had been previously flagged by the Karnataka Health Department for causing maternal deaths in the State.
Meanwhile, after the heat dialled up, on January 14 the government issued a notice for all medical colleges and hospitals, stating, “All the items procured through SMIS from Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals should not be used even if available... and all existing stocks should be withdrawn.”
Published - January 16, 2025 08:44 pm IST
