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Rights

SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA Lead Protests Against Healthcare Corruption in West Bengal

On Friday, a pregnant woman reportedly fell critically ill and died at Midnapore Medical College after allegedly being administered “expired” saline, according to her family.

SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA Lead Protests Against Healthcare Corruption in West Bengal

Left youth, student, and women activists demonstrated in Midnapore on Sunday. Image: Facebook/CPI(M) WB

On Sunday, January 12, Midnipur witnessed widespread marches, roadblocks, and protests organized by the student, youth, and women wings of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) — SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA.

The demonstrators condemned the death of a pregnant woman, allegedly caused by the administration of “expired” saline at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in Paschim Medinipur. They also denounced the police crackdown on protesting youth, students, and women.

The previous day, several Left activists were arrested during a demonstration demanding justice for the tragedy.

Key leaders, including DYFI state secretary Minakshi Mukherjee, DYFI leader Dhrubajyoti Saha, and SFI general secretary Mayukh Biswas, joined the protests.

Minakshi Mukherjee criticized the Trinamool Congress state government, accusing it of allowing the entire health department to become a hub of corruption. She stated that the authorities are silent and attempting to cover up this tragic incident.

"This incident in Midnapore has brought to light the failures in R.G. Kar Hospital episode and exposed the racket of fake and expired medicines operating unchecked across the state," she said.

Mukherjee called upon the people of Midnapore to join the Swasthya Bhawan Abhijan (March to Swasthya Bhavan) and demand justice for this grave crime.

The Incident

On Friday, Mamni Das, admitted to the maternity ward earlier in the week, reportedly fell critically ill at Midnapore Medical College after being administered what her family alleged was “expired” saline. Tragically, she passed away, prompting her family to raise serious concerns about the quality of medical supplies at the hospital.

Four other pregnant women who received the same saline also experienced critical health issues. Two were shifted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU), and one required treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Hospital authorities have confirmed the incident and initiated an investigation.

Response from Authorities

Jayant Kumar Raut, the Medical College Superintendent, announced the formation of a medical board to determine the cause of the adverse reactions. Additionally, the deceased’s family has lodged a formal complaint, demanding a comprehensive inquiry.

"We are aware of the incident and have initiated appropriate measures. The affected pregnant women are currently receiving treatment, and a medical board has been formed to investigate the cause," Raut had said.

State Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam stated that a multidisciplinary team, including medical experts, cardiologists, and gynecologists, will visit Midnapore to conduct a detailed probe.

Preliminary reports suggest the saline administered may have triggered an allergic reaction, leading to the patients’ deteriorating conditions.

The incident has sparked comparisons to a similar tragedy in Karnataka last year, where four maternal deaths were linked to defective Ringer’s Lactated (RL) saline produced by a specific manufacturer.

Following that case, the West Bengal health department had banned products from the implicated firm.

In light of this recent tragedy, the state’s primary supplier of 14 essential medical items, Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical, has been ordered to suspend production until further notice.

To avoid supply disruptions, the health department has authorized Pharma Impex Laboratories to provide seven critical items at the same rate. These updates have been recorded in the Store Management Information System.

This incident has reignited concerns about the safety of medical supplies and highlighted the urgent need for stringent quality control measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The protests in Midnapore reflect growing public outrage over lapses in healthcare and demand immediate action to address systemic issues.

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