Midnapore: A pregnant woman died on Friday at the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal's Paschim Midnapore. The family members of the deceased raised serious concerns about the saline given to the woman. The deceased has been identified as Mamoni Das. Meanwhile, five others are critically ill. A 10-member enquiry committee was formed by the West Bengal Health Department.
The committee will reportedly visit the hospital on Saturday. The action was taken after the family of the deceased lodged a complaint with the police, reported News18. Meanwhile, the health department directed the authorities to replace all the existing saline stock. A detailed report has also been sought from the principal of the medical college. The state health officials also demanded an explanation on reports of using expired saline.
The woman gave birth to a baby on Wednesday. She was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after her condition deteriorated. Das breathed her last on Friday. She was 21 years old. The incident drew strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
The saffron party raised questions on the health facilities under the Mamata Banerjee government in the state. "Shame on the crumbling healthcare system in West Bengal under the disastrous regime of @MamataOfficial! A pregnant woman DIED after being given EXPIRED saline at a govt hospital in Midnapore, and several others now fight for their lives," the BJP said in its official X post.
This is the price mothers pay under your so-called “development”? Your negligence has turned hospitals into death traps! West Bengal deserves accountability, not your hollow promises and PR stunts. How much more blood will stain your hands, @MamataOfficial?" it added.
BJP's Tweet:
The husband of a critically ill woman told the media house that Das stopped passing out urine after giving birth to the baby and was then shifted to the ICU. He alleged that the medical college staff gave the wrong saline.
A large police contingent has reportedly been deployed outside the hospital to avoid any untoward incident.
